Senior Software Engineer

Who we are:

Raft (https://TeamRaft.com) is a customer-obsessed non-traditional defense tech company dedicated to empowering U.S. military and government agencies with cutting-edge AI/ML and data solutions. We are a leader in autonomous data fusion and Agentic AI, with a purposeful focus on Distributed Data Systems, Platforms at Scale, and Complex Application Development. With headquarters in McLean, VA, our range of clients includes innovative federal and public agencies leveraging design thinking, cutting-edge tech stack, and cloud-native ecosystem. We build digital solutions that impact the lives of millions of Americans.

About the role:

As a Senior Software Engineer, you will perform advanced technical planning, software requirements definition, and system integration in support of complex software systems and subsystems. You will contribute across the full software development lifecycle, delivering reliable, maintainable, and mission-aligned solutions that meet technical, operational, schedule, and cost constraints.

This role requires deep hands-on expertise and the ability to collaborate closely with systems engineers, testers, and stakeholders to deliver high-quality software in structured or regulated environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform technical planning for complex software systems and subsystems
• Develop high-level and detailed software requirements in coordination with stakeholders
• Design, implement, and integrate software components into larger system architectures
• Support test planning and execution, including:
  • Use case development
  • Test procedures and test data creation
  • Functional, integration, and system-level testing
• Provide technical support across development, deployment, and sustainment phases
• Support the full software lifecycle, including:
  • Concept design
  • Development and integration
  • Installation and deployment
  • Operations and maintenance
  • Modernization and disposal
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex software defects and integration issues
• Ensure software solutions meet quality, performance, and security requirements
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including systems engineering, cybersecurity, DevOps, and program leadership

What we are looking for:

• Bachelor's degree with 14+ years of related experience, or
  Master's degree with 12+ years, or PhD with 9+ years
• Extensive experience in software development and system integration
• Proven experience with AWS tools.
• Strong background in requirements analysis and technical documentation
• Experience with test planning, execution, and validation of software systems
• Ability to translate customer and mission requirements into effective technical solutions
• Experience supporting complex or mission-critical software systems

Highly preferred:

• Experience supporting DoD, federal, or classified software programs
• Familiarity with systems engineering processes and documentation
• Exposure to DevSecOps, CI/CD pipelines, or modern software delivery practices
• Mentorship of junior engineers or informal technical leadership experience

Clearance Requirements:

• Active Top Secret with ability to obtain and maintain SCI

Work Type:

• Onsite in Colorado Springs, CO
• May require up to 15% travel

Salary Range:

• $140,000 - $190,000
• The determination of compensation is predicated upon a candidate's comprehensive experience, demonstrated skill, and proven abilities

What we will offer you:

• Highly competitive salary
• Fully covered healthcare, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) and company match
• Take as you need PTO + 11 paid holidays
• Education & training benefits
• Generous Referral Bonuses
• And More!

Our Vision Statement:

We bridge the gap between humans and data through radical transparency and our obsession with the mission.

Our Customer Obsession:

We will approach every deliverable like it's a product. We will adopt a customer-obsessed mentality. As we grow, and our footprint becomes larger, teams and employees will treat each other not only as teammates but customers. We must live the customer-obsessed mindset, always. This will help us scale and it will translate to the interactions that our Rafters have with their clients and other product teams that they integrate with. Our culture will enable our success and set us apart from other companies.

How do we get there?

Public-sector modernization is critical for us to live in a better world. We, at Raft, want to innovate and solve complex problems. And, if we are successful, our generation and the ones that follow us will live in a delightful, efficient, and accessible world where out-of-box thinking, and collaboration is a norm.

Raft's core philosophy is Ubuntu: I Am, Because We are. We support our "nadi" by elevating the other Rafters. We work as a hyper collaborative team where each team member brings a unique perspective, adding value that did not exist before. People make Raft special. We celebrate each other and our cognitive and cultural diversity. We are devoted to our practice of innovation and collaboration.