Software Developer Principal (Security Clearance Needed)

Software Developer Principal (Security Clearance Needed)

Job Category : Software Engineering

Requisition Number : SOFTW

• Posted: July 6, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site
• Salary Range: $124,092.80 USD to $207,251.20 USD

Locations

ChantillyChantilly, VA, USA

Description

At GCI, we solve hard problems. GCI’s engineering team has a passion for designing and building modern systems that exceed our customers’ expectations. Our engineers are immersed in software tools and environments to include LINUX, Java, DSP in C, C++, Python, VHDL and Xilinx FPGA tools, NVIDIA CUDA acceleration, and more. Our team is versatile and gets to engage in all parts of the development process.

The Software Developer Principal will lead the design and development of complex software systems and make significant enhancements to existing software. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on developer with significant experience in developing scalable platforms, leading software development activities, systems that process data and messaging, hardware implementation, creating documentation and guides, and organizing and managing operations and maintenance actions. The candidate must have strong, firsthand technical expertise in a variety of system technologies and the proven ability to fashion robust scalable solutions that can manage critical communication systems. The candidate is a leader and provides supervision to more junior employees.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience programming with C, C++, and Python.
• Experience with Linux operating system details and shell scripting.
• Experience with Microsoft Windows environments.
• Analytical mindset and good problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and attention to detail.
• Implement and design test plans at system level.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Strong experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).
• Security+ certification or ability to acquire.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering or a related technical discipline, or the equivalent combination of education, technical training, or work/military experience.
• 5 to 15 years of related software engineering experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Computer Science.
• Background and experience with FPGA programming.
• Digital Signal Processing knowledge or experience.
• Version Control Software (e.g., SVN, Git).
• Issue Tracking Software (e.g., JIRA, Redmine, Trello).
• Knowledge of wireless technology, digital/analog communications, or RF.
• Experience with Test Automation and Continuous Integration.

Travel

GCI’s systems are distributed regionally throughout the contiguous United States (CONUS), and require quarterly updates to software systems, and occasionally hardware, as well. The successful candidate is able to travel at least four times a year to CONUS sites for two (2) to four (4) days to perform the scheduled maintenance.

Clearance

A candidate must be a US Citizen and requires the ability to achieve and maintain an active/current TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance. GCI will work with the candidate to transfer their clearance, or sponsor them for a Secret, followed by a Top Secret clearance.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.