Engineering Lead & Principal Architect (.NET)

Contribute regularly in the codebase, including pairing on complex problems, prototyping, and writing production code in high-risk or high-leverage areas. This is not a hands-off role.

Develop reference implementations and prototypes that validate architectural direction and unblock delivery.

Conduct code-level reviews and contribute directly to implementation to establish patterns, improve quality, and ensure alignment with architectural standards.

Mentor engineers on sound architectural practices and effective implementation approaches.

10+ years of professional software engineering experience, including 3+ years in a lead or architect capacity on enterprise applications.

Demonstrated experience leading the day-to-day engineering execution of a software team, including sprint planning, technical direction, blocker resolution, and delivery accountability.

Proven experience designing, evaluating, and evolving complex modular or multi-component software systems.

Strong understanding of application architecture, modular design, integration strategies, and maintainable code structures.

Demonstrated ability to assess existing systems, identify technical risks, and recommend practical improvement paths.

Strong command of engineering best practices, performance considerations, and secure application design.

Strong proficiency in modern .NET / .NET Core for backend and API architecture.

Strong proficiency in Angular for enterprise front-end architecture and design patterns.

Experience collaborating across software engineering, QA, infrastructure, and security stakeholders.

Willingness and ability to work hands-on in the codebase on a regular basis to validate designs, establish implementation patterns, and resolve complex technical issues.

Experience designing systems for RMF / ATO readiness in DoD or other regulated environments.

Familiarity with DoD cyber workforce qualification frameworks, including DoD 8140 and legacy 8570 environments.

Experience partnering with security, DevSecOps, and compliance stakeholders to support authorization, control implementation, and production readiness.

Familiarity with Azure deployment environments, including AKS and associated operational considerations.

Experience supporting application modernization, platform consolidation, or migration from legacy solutions.

Familiarity with integrating ML/AI components into enterprise .NET applications.

Demonstrated success mentoring teams and improving technical maturity across an engineering organization.

The engineering team consistently meets sprint and release commitments with predictable velocity.

Blockers are resolved within defined expectations, and escalations to program leadership decrease over time.

Shared platform capabilities and module-specific functionality are clearly separated and easier to evolve.

Architectural standards improve implementation consistency and reduce unnecessary duplication.

Technical risk is identified early and addressed through pragmatic planning and design guidance.

Modernization efforts improve platform quality and maintainability while preserving delivery momentum.

Engineers are better equipped to build secure, stable, and extensible solutions over time.