Rackner - Senior Technical Lead — R&D Mission Solutions
Requirements
• U.S. citizenship required due to federal contract requirements • Professional background developing software systems, backend services, APIs, full-stack applications, or platform capabilities • Proficiency with Python, JavaScript / TypeScript, or similar modern programming languages • Hands-on knowledge of cloud platforms, containers, Kubernetes, DevSecOps, or cloud-native deployment environments • Ability to work independently in ambiguous, prototype-driven, or fast-moving technical settings • Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences • Demonstrated ownership of engineering outcomes from concept through implementation • Willingness to travel approximately 15% for R&D events, technical demos, collaboration sessions, or mission-focused engagements • Active Secret clearance or higher • Background supporting DoD, Air Force, Platform One, Big Bang, DevSecOps, mission planning, C2, ISR, autonomy, or defense software programs • Ability to engage with operators, mission users, customers, or non-engineering stakeholders to understand workflows and translate needs into technical solutions • Familiarity with Python, TypeScript, JavaScript, React, Go, FastAPI, Postgres, AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, Helm, Terraform, or CI/CD tooling • History of leading engineering projects, serving as an informal technical lead, or guiding architecture decisions • Involvement in technical demos, pilots, field events, customer-facing discussions, or live exercises • Background building in R&D, prototype-heavy, startup-like, defense tech, or mission-focused environments • Exposure to AI-enabled systems, LLMs, automation-heavy software, data-driven decision tools, or autonomy-adjacent technologies • Familiarity with secure software delivery, observability, infrastructure-as-code, or compliance-aware engineering practices • Travel & Event Support • This role requires approximately 15% travel for R&D events, technical demos, collaboration sessions, and mission-focused engagements. Travel is planned in advance whenever possible and may include participation in customer-facing or internal engineering events. • Rackner is a software consultancy focused on building mission-critical systems for the U.S. government. Our teams work across cloud platforms, DevSecOps, AI/ML, distributed systems, and modern software engineering initiatives supporting federal agencies and national security missions. • Rackner engineers collaborate closely with technical leadership, program teams, and mission stakeholders to design, build, and improve software systems that address complex operational challenges.
Responsibilities
• Lead the design, prototyping, and development of mission-relevant software and platform capabilities • Build backend services, APIs, full-stack applications, and cloud-native components using modern engineering practices • Translate ambiguous mission needs, user workflows, and technical concepts into working software • Support rapid build, demo, feedback, and iteration cycles for R&D initiatives • Collaborate directly with technical leadership, R&D engineers, and stakeholders on architecture and implementation decisions • Participate in technical demos, customer-facing discussions, and mission-focused events • Help shape system design, platform direction, and technical tradeoffs across emerging capabilities • Guide or mentor other engineers through architecture decisions, prototyping efforts, and implementation challenges • Deploy and support applications in cloud-native, containerized, or Kubernetes-based environments • Use modern development workflows, including AI-assisted tools where appropriate, to accelerate prototyping, testing, and delivery • Represent Rackner’s technical work with clarity, professionalism, and credibility in collaborative settings
Benefits
• Rackner invests in its people, because when you grow, we all win. • Company-supported certifications aligned to current and future program work, including cloud, Kubernetes, DevSecOps, security, AI/ML, project management, and related technical areas • Clear advancement tracks and future leadership opportunities • 401(k) with 100% match up to 6% • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage • Generous PTO and paid holidays • Fitness and wellness reimbursement • Weekly pay schedule and modern perks, including team events • Equal Opportunity • Equal Opportunity
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