Job Description

Applied Research Solutions seeks a highly skilled Lead Engineer to support a mission-critical U.S. Government program focused on secure cloud software development, aircraft platform integration, and enterprise DevSecOps modernization. The ideal candidate brings technical depth, leadership experience, and a strong understanding of secure development practices within classified environments. If you're ready to make a lasting impact through technical excellence and leadership in a fast-paced, classified environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Why Work with us?

Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is respected as a world-class provider of technically integrated solutions as we deliver premier talent and technology across our focused markets for unparalleled, continuous mission support. Awarded a Best Places to Work nominee since 2020, ARS recognizes that without our career- driven, loyal professionals, we would not be able to deliver state-of-the-art results for our mission partners. We firmly believe that prioritizing our employees is of the upmost importance. We provide a culture where our employees are challenged to meet their career goals and aspirations, while still obtaining a work/life balance. ARS employees are motivated through our industry competitive benefits package, our awards and recognition program, and personalized attention from ARS Senior Managers.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead a multi-disciplinary engineering team delivering cloud-native software capabilities.
• Architect, develop, and maintain systems in secure cloud environments, primarily Azure.
• Oversee implementation of DevSecOps pipelines using GitLab CI/CD and Artifactory.
• Collaborate closely with aircraft platform groups, mission systems teams, and networking specialists to ensure seamless system integration.
• Define and enforce secure development practices aligned with government cybersecurity standards and program requirements.
• Comfortable in SCIF for 50% of time onsite
• Drive technical roadmaps, backlog prioritization, sprint planning, and cross-team coordination.
• Provide hands-on engineering support and mentorship to junior and mid-level developers.
• Ensure compliance with security controls, accreditation processes, and configuration management policies.
• Communicate technical status, risks, and recommendations to program leadership and stakeholders.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/ Technical Experience Requirements:

• US Citizenship required.
• Active Top-Secret clearance required.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Computer Science, or related field; advanced degree a plus.
• Proven experience leading software or DevSecOps teams on government or defense programs.
• Proficiency with GitLab (source control, CI/CD pipelines) and Artifactory (artifact management).
• Experience with cloud platforms, specifically Microsoft Azure.
• Strong understanding of secure coding practices and NIST/DoD cybersecurity frameworks.
• Familiarity working with aircraft platforms, avionics environments, or related mission systems.
• Certification: Security+ CE (required), Azure AZ-204 or AZ-900 (required).
• Demonstrated ability to operate in fast-paced, classified environments with multi-organizational stakeholders.

Desired Skills:

• Experience with infrastructure-as-code (e.g., Terraform, Bicep).
• Knowledge of Zero Trust, container security, or K8s in secure enclaves.
• Understanding of military airworthiness, flight test, or embedded systems environments.
• Prior experience supporting multi-domain operations or cross-service integration.

All positions at Applied Research Solutions are subject to background investigations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans and requires affirmative action by covered contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.