---
title: 'Principal Software Engineer at ClearEdge'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/principal-software-engineer-clearedge-annapolis-junction-jfse9jwjmhc7'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-11-06'
---

# Principal Software Engineer at ClearEdge

- **Company:** ClearEdge
- **Location:** Annapolis Junction, MD
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** hybrid
- **Posted:** 2025-04-02
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-06
- **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/clearedge/2f593212-9a8f-459f-90f7-c9900313a675

## Job description

Join ClearEdge and be part of a mission-focused team solving some of the DoD’s most complex technical challenges. Every day, ClearEdge supports government and industry customers by delivering innovative solutions that enable critical operations and mission success.

ClearEdge offers an extremely competitive benefits package—including a $10k annual training and education benefit, a 10% 401(k) contribution fully vested on day one, annual health and technology allowances, and access to a state-of-the-art technology lab. Learn more at www.clearedgeit.com/careers/

## Your Mission

As a Principal Software Engineer on our prime contract, you will work a hybrid schedule with a team of talented developers to design, build, and maintain critical applications in a cloud-based environment. You will contribute to the development and deployment of scalable and secure solutions, leveraging your expertise in Linux, cloud infrastructure, and modern software development practices. Your role will involve creating efficient services, automating workflows, and optimizing system performance to support evolving mission needs.

You Will Excel in This Role If You Are:

- Passionate about building and maintaining cloud-based services
- Comfortable working in Linux environments
- Skilled in developing containerized applications and deploying them with Kubernetes (EKS)
- Experienced in automating workflows using GitLab CI/CD
- Detail-oriented and capable of troubleshooting complex issues

A Day in the Life Of:

- Develop and enhance software solutions using Java, Node, or Python
- Build and maintain cloud-based services in AWS
- Design and manage containerized applications with Kubernetes (EKS)
- Automate infrastructure and deployments using GitLab CI/CD
- Write and maintain shell scripts for automation and system management
- Work with relational and document databases such as PostgreSQL, Elasticsearch, or MongoDB
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement secure, scalable solutions

Must Have:

- TS/SCI with Polygraph Clearance
- 20+ years of experience with a Bachelors Degree in a related field
- Strong Linux background
- Experience building and maintaining services in AWS
- Proficiency in at least one of the following: Java, Node, or Python
- Experience with shell scripting
- Hands-on experience with containerization and Kubernetes (EKS)
- Experience with GitLab CI/CD
- Familiarity with relational and document databases such as PostgreSQL, Elasticsearch, or MongoDB

Nice to Have:

- Experience with Terraform or Terragrunt for infrastructure as code
- Knowledge of Ansible for configuration management
- Front-end development experience with React or Node
- Familiarity with 508 compliance standards for accessibility

ClearEdge is an established small business that values its employees and is committed to providing an environment where individuals can succeed and grow. We believe in developing our people, promoting from within, and fostering long-term career growth across the organization.

Our Core Values—Honesty, Integrity, Loyalty, Fairness, Respect, Responsibility, and Accountability—guide everything we do. These principles shape our culture, inform our decisions, and drive our commitment to excellence in support of our customers and partners.

If this position is not the right fit, we encourage you to visit our Careers page to explore other opportunities at ClearEdge or connect with one of our recruiters at careers@clearedgeit.com. ClearEdge is an equal opportunity employer.

## About ClearEdge

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: A mission-driven technology thought leader providing software engineering, big data, cloud, data analytics, and data science solutions primarily to the Intelligence Community and government clients.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Woman-Owned Small Business)
- **Headquarters**: Jessup, Maryland, United States (with an office in Annapolis Junction)
- **Founded**: August 23, 2002
- **Founders**: Not publicly disclosed; Christine Puglisi is listed as Owner

## Core Business
- **Primary industry/industries**: Information Technology & Services; National Security / Intelligence; Government Contracting
- **Target customers**: U.S. government agencies (especially the Intelligence Community), defense contractors, and industry partners (B2G)
- **Mission statement**: "Empower customers in government and industry with innovative data driven solutions."

## Products & Services
ClearEdge delivers technical solutions and services across several domains:
- **[Software Engineering](https://www.clearedgeit.com/)**: Full-stack development using Java, JavaEE, RESTful web services, and agile/DevOps practices.
- **[Big Data & Cloud](https://www.clearedgeit.com/)**: Solutions built on Hadoop, Map Reduce, Accumulo, NiFi, and cloud platforms.
- **[Data Analytics & Data Science](https://www.clearedgeit.com/)**: Machine learning, data flow engineering, and analytic visualization.
- **[High Performance Computing & Cyber](https://www.clearedgeit.com/)**: HPC support and cybersecurity engineering.
- **[DevOps Support](https://www.clearedgeit.com/)**: CI/CD pipeline implementation and operational support.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation**: Not disclosed (privately held)
- **Key Metric**: Annual revenue estimated at **$45.2M**; total funding not applicable (bootstrapped/private)
- **Headcount**: Reports vary – **53 employees** ([LinkedIn](https://linkedin.com/company/clearedge-it-solutions-llc)) or **75 US employees** ([Top Workplaces](https://topworkplaces.com/company/clearedge-it-solutions/)) – yearly growth of **+14.1%**
- **Notable Partners/Clients**: Primarily serves U.S. Intelligence Community and government agencies; has held federal contracts since 2002 (CAGE 3CF84, UEI HJTXHCM6N4B3)
- **Growth Signals**: 33 active job postings as of late 2025; quarterly job postings up 6.5% year-over-year; LinkedIn followers up 18.6% annually

## Competitive Advantages
- **Cleared Workforce**: Many positions require a DoD security clearance, creating a barrier to entry for competitors.
- **Employee-First Culture**: 100% employer-paid health/dental/vision, 10% 401k contribution, $10k annual education benefit, and a $500/year personal tech budget.
- **Small Business Agility**: As a privately held woman-owned small business, ClearEdge can adapt quickly and offer employees direct impact on mission-critical projects.
- **Deep IC Domain Expertise**: Over two decades of experience supporting intelligence community customers with specialized technical talent.

## Strategic Focus
- Continue attracting and retaining top-tier engineers with the required clearances.
- Invest in continuous learning and certifications (up to $10k/year per employee).
- Expand capabilities in data science, machine learning, and cloud engineering to meet evolving government needs.
- Maintain a strong culture of work-life balance and community involvement (family events, STEM days, etc.).

## Why Work Here
- **Culture & Values**: Honesty, integrity, loyalty, fairness, respect, responsibility, and accountability are core tenets. An employee-first leadership style with a "family" atmosphere.
- **Remote/Hybrid/Office**: Roles are primarily located in the Baltimore/Washington Metro area; many require on-site work due to security clearance needs. Some flexibility may exist.
- **Perks & Benefits** (from [ClearEdge Careers](https://www.clearedgeit.com/careers/)):
  - 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance (Cigna)
  - 100% employer-paid short/long-term disability and life insurance
  - 10% 401k contribution (3% safe harbor + 7% discretionary, immediate vesting)
  - Up to 25 days PTO + all federal holidays
  - $10,000 annual education reimbursement (courses, certifications, conferences)
  - $500/year personal tech budget
  - Student loan assistance through Gradifi
  - Career service bonuses ($3k at 3 years, $5k at 5, $10k at 10, $15k at 15)
  - Fun office amenities (pool table, shuffleboard, outdoor grill patio)
- **Engineering Culture**: Emphasis on continuous learning, in-house training (Agile, Hadoop, Spark, ML), bi-monthly technical deep dives, and exposure to diverse mission contracts.

## Sources
1. [ClearEdge Careers Page](https://www.clearedgeit.com/careers/)
2. [LinkedIn Company Profile](https://linkedin.com/company/clearedge-it-solutions-llc)
3. [Top Workplaces Profile](https://topworkplaces.com/company/clearedge-it-solutions/)
4. [HigherGov Federal Awardee Record](https://www.highergov.com/awardee/clearedge-it-solutions-llc-12810676/)
5. [ClearEdge Careers 2 – Benefits Summary](https://www.clearedgeit.com/careers/careers-2/)

## Other roles at ClearEdge

- [Infrastructure Engineer I](https://feeny.ai/job/infrastructure-engineer-i-clearedge-annapolis-junction-wr6j9s5p1hsm) — Annapolis Junction, MD
- [Software Engineer I](https://feeny.ai/job/software-engineer-i-clearedge-annapolis-junction-65sd6pfnn3zr) — Annapolis Junction, MD
- [Information System Security Engineer III](https://feeny.ai/job/information-system-security-engineer-iii-clearedge-jessup-setavhbdmnms) — Jessup, MD
- [Secure Building Engineer (Electrical)](https://feeny.ai/job/secure-building-engineer-electrical-clearedge-jessup-2b3nzh2x13ry) — Jessup, MD
- [Senior Software Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-software-engineer-clearedge-annapolis-junction-kmqcbmvs6stp) — Annapolis Junction, MD
- [Information Systems Security Officer](https://feeny.ai/job/information-systems-security-officer-clearedge-jessup-p0tds05bfn2j) — Jessup, MD
- [Principal Software Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/principal-software-engineer-clearedge-annapolis-junction-hc1ftf4ymmsx) — Annapolis Junction, MD
- [Senior DevOps Software Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-devops-software-engineer-clearedge-jessup-zd8p8xgq3g9s) — Jessup, MD
- [Senior Software Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-software-engineer-clearedge-annapolis-junction-v0kytr946rx9) — Annapolis Junction, MD
- [Senior System Administrator](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-system-administrator-clearedge-linthicum-z9heynh7f1ya) — Linthicum, MD