If you want to accelerate your career growth and are passionate about applying your expertise to solve problems of national importance, then we have the job you are looking for! You will be able to achieve your personal and professional goals in a stable environment that emphasizes and rewards the entrepreneurial spirit. We are seeking a highly skilled Software Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in developing software to evaluate and enhance network assessments. This role involves deep analysis of tactical data link messages to ensure seamless information flows across system nodes communicating on various networks.
We are seeking a highly skilled Software Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in evaluating and enhancing network assessments. This role involves deep analysis of tactical data link messages to ensure seamless information flows across system nodes communicating on various networks. Responsibilities include developing software to perform detailed network assessments and understand information flows within system-to-system architectures, analyzing and interpreting data from Tactical Data Link (TDL) messages, and identifying critical patterns using advanced algorithms and Machine Learning. Candidates should have experience in one of the following: front-end web technologies; developing schemas for relational, document, or graph databases; creating REST or gRPC APIs; or developing algorithms for data analysis.
Principal Full Stack Software Engineer Position Requirements:

• US Citizenship required
• The nature of work (i.e. interactions with the intelligence community and DoD programs) requires eligibility to apply for and hold a US security clearance; selected applicants will undergo a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements at the time of employment
• BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with 12-15 years of relevant work experience OR MS with 10-13 years of relevant work experience
• Proven experience with programming languages (e.g., Java, Python, C ) for software development and data analysis
• Experience developing on cross-platform software (mobile, web, desktop)
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to decode complex information exchanges and identify critical data patterns
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, capable of working effectively in a dynamic, team-oriented environment

Principal Full Stack Software Engineer Preferences:
Above all, we value passion, a continuous desire to learn, and teamwork. We are confident that if you possess the right attitude, work ethic, and skill set, you will succeed in the role. In addition to the experience and skills above, if you have any of the following, you will be able to accelerate your effectiveness and impact.

• Proficiency working with graph databases, SQL, and data visualization tools
• Experience developing or using TAK (Tactical Assault Kit)
• Deep understanding of data pipeline tools and frameworks (e.g., Apache Kafka, Apache Spark, Apache Airflow) and containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes)
• Demonstrated experience with Machine Learning and Large-Language Models (LLMs)
• Existing DoD security clearance

Who is ARA?
Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2,122 employee-owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.
ARA also prides itself, on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. The motto, "Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit" sums up the ARA experience. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice in what happens in the company. We are also very proud of our Women's Initiative Network (WIN), whose purpose is to motivate, support, and encourage professional career development for women to maximize career and professional accomplishments.
To find out more about what the Software Enterprise Division has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/benefits/
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)