--- title: 'Platform Engineer - Python/Java/AWS/Linux at Captivation Software' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/platform-engineer-python-java-aws-linux-captivation-software-columbia-ww43cdfkmjfy' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-05' --- # Platform Engineer - Python/Java/AWS/Linux at Captivation Software - **Company:** Captivation Software - **Location:** Columbia, MD - **Work type:** hybrid - **Posted:** 2025-05-19 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-05 - **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/captivation/jobs/4694077008 ## Job description Build to something to be proud of. Captivation has built a reputation on providing customers exactly what is needed in a timely manner. Our team of engineers take pride in what they develop and constantly innovate to provide the best solution. Captivation is looking for software developers who can get stuff done while making a difference in support of the mission to protect our country. Description Captivation Software is looking for a Cloud Platform Engineer with experience in Cloud technology (AWS), Python programming skills, and a strong Linux foundation. Will significantly contribute to the development of custom software components and integration of open-source code to address complex time series analysis problems through the use of cutting edge Big Data / Cloud technology. As a result, the candidate will be expected to work autonomously identifying and solving problems quickly while working toward broader strategic goals set by Architects on the team. Work is performed in a hybrid environment with a great team. ## Responsibilities - The ideal candidate is a strong systems integrator with an eye for opportunity to enhance, optimize, or increase robustness of an existing code base. - The candidate should have experience with infrastructure as code and be able to leverage modern tools to define, build and manage virtual infrastructure in the cloud. - Design and implement core architecture and capabilities for software from prototype to operational applications. - Other duties as assigned. ## Requirements Security Clearance: - A current U.S. Government Security clearance is not required at start, but will be processed for a Secret level clearance; U.S. citizenship required. Minimum Qualifications: - 9+ years of experience in Platform Engineering or Software Development (Python or Java) with Bachelors in related field; OR 7 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; OR High School Diploma or equivalent and 13 years relevant experience. - Must have experience developing infrastructure in AWS. - Have a solid understanding of Linux systems, hosts, networks, security, applications and proficiency in shell scripting (Shell/Bash). - Excellent oral and written communication skills. - Must be able to obtain Security+ certification within 60 days of hire. - Must be able to work in a hybrid environment, spending an average of 1-2 days per week at our Columbia, MD office. Flexibility is essential to adapt to schedule changes as needed. Preferred Qualifications: - A TS/SCI level security clearance preferred. - Prior experience or familiarity with DISA’s Big Data Platform or other Big Data systems (e.g. Cloudera’s Distribution of Hadoop, Hortonworks Data Platform, MapR, etc..) is a plus. - Experience with Kubernetes (or vendor flavor of Kubernetes) - Experience with CI/CD pipelines (e.g. Gitlab-CI, Travis-CI, etc.) - Understanding of agile software development methodologies and use of standard software development tool suites. (e.g., JIRA, Confluence, Github, Gitlab, etc.) - Experience with puppet, ansible, maven, virtualization (ovirt, proxmox, vmware, etc) - DoD 8140 / 8570 IAT Level II compliance certifications may be required in this position as directed by the customer. This position is open for direct hires only. We will not consider candidates from third party staffing/recruiting firms. ## Benefits - Annual Salary: $130,000 - $270,000 (Depends on the Years of Experience) - Up to 20% 401k contribution (No Matching Required and Vested from Day 1) - Above Market Hourly Rates - $3,600 HSA Contribution - 6 Weeks Paid Time Off - Company Paid Employee Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance/Life Insurance/Short-Term & Long-Term Disability/AD&D ## About Captivation Software ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Captivation Software is a small, developer-owned company that builds innovative software solutions for the Armed Forces and the Intelligence Community. - **Entity Type**: Private - **Headquarters**: Columbia, Maryland, United States - **Founded**: 2014 - **Founders**: Dave Barbalato (President) ## Core Business - **Primary industry/industries**: Software Development, Defense & Intelligence, Digital Signal Processing, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning - **Target customers**: United States Department of Defense, United States Army, US CYBERCOM, Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), and other Intelligence Community agencies (B2G/Government) - **Mission or purpose statement**: "Build something to be proud of." — The company is focused on engineering digital solutions for mission makers, delivering software engineering expertise with the agility and efficiency of a small business. ## Products & Services Captivation delivers expertise across a broad spectrum of technical disciplines rather than a single product. Their core service areas include: - **Digital Signal Processing (DSP)**: Specialized engineering for RF and signal intelligence. - **Big Data / Streaming Analytics**: Processing and analyzing large-scale data streams. - **Machine Learning / Artificial Intelligence**: Developing AI/ML models, including NLP and MLOps. - **Application Development**: Full-stack development using Java, Python, C++, Angular, and modern frameworks. - **Data Visualization**: Creating UI/UX solutions for complex data. - **DevOps & Platform Engineering**: Infrastructure management with AWS, Kubernetes, Docker, Terraform, GitLab, and Ansible. - **Network Engineering**: Expertise with Cisco/Arista, SSP, STE, and STN. - **Systems Administration**: Linux, AWS, and security-focused system management. ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly available (private company) - **Key Metric**: The company has 9 employees (as of latest LinkedIn data) but is actively hiring with 53+ open job postings, indicating rapid growth or a high-demand project-based model. - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Not publicly available. Key clients include the US Department of Defense, US Army, US CYBERCOM, and DISA. - **Growth Signals**: The company has 53 active job postings on Greenhouse, with a yearly job posting growth of +65.6%. They are expanding their presence with multiple offices in Maryland (Columbia, Annapolis Junction, Baltimore) and an office in the United Kingdom. ## Competitive Advantages - **Specialized Mission Focus**: Deep expertise in serving the Intelligence Community and Armed Forces, a niche with high barriers to entry due to security clearance requirements. - **Technical Leadership**: Founded and led by engineers (Dave Barbalato has 15+ years of software engineering experience; Daniel Barbalato has 10 years in DSP). The company is described as "technical from the top down." - **Developer-Oriented Culture**: Operates like a tech startup with a flattened company structure and a focus on transparency, which is rare in the defense contracting space. - **Exceptional Compensation Package**: Offers a 20% 401(k) employer contribution with no match required, a $3,400 HSA contribution, and fully company-paid medical/dental/vision insurance. ## Strategic Focus - **Talent Acquisition**: Actively seeking the "BEST and BRIGHTEST" cleared professionals, with a strong emphasis on hiring for a wide range of engineering roles. - **Geographic Expansion**: Maintaining a presence in the Maryland area (near key government clients) and expanding to the UK. - **Staying at the Cutting Edge**: Pursuing work with leading software technologies (AI/ML, cloud, GPU computing) to remain competitive and deliver innovative solutions to clients. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: Described as a "small, developer-oriented company" with a "progressive attitude" and a "flattened company structure." The company values transparency and empowers its team. - **Remote/Hybrid/Office Policy**: Primarily on-site/in-office work at their Columbia, MD, Annapolis Junction, MD, and Baltimore, MD locations. Some hybrid roles are available (e.g., AI Engineer). - **Notable Perks**: - Up to 20% 401(k) Employer Contribution (NO MATCH REQUIRED). - $3,400 HSA Contribution. - Company-Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance. - Company-Paid Life and Disability Insurance. - Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO). - Learning & Development Program (Udemy). - Free snacks and drinks. - Performance bonuses. - Generous parental leave. - **Engineering Culture**: Employees work with modern tech stacks (AWS, Kubernetes, Docker, Python, Java, etc.) on meaningful mission-critical problems. The company encourages open-source contributions. ## Sources 1. [captivation.us](https://captivation.us/) 2. [LinkedIn - Captivation](https://www.linkedin.com/company/captivation-software) 3. [Greenhouse - Captivation Careers](http://job-boards.greenhouse.io/captivation) 4. [Built In - Captivation Software](https://builtin.com/company/captivation-software) 5. 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