Description

The DarkStar Group is seeking a Python Developer with a TS/SCI + Poly clearance (applicable to this customer) to join one of our top projects in Chantilly, VA.  Below is an overview of the project, as well as information on our company, our benefits, and our $25,000 referral program.

THE PROJECT

The DarkStar Group's team provides tactical data engineering solutions. We embed skilled Data Engineers, Data Scientists, and ETL Developers directly into intelligence analyst groups to be their go-to data wranglers.  We develop new tools, code, and services to execute data engineering activities.  Our engineers work to collect, process, and feed analytic tools, turning data into intelligence in response to immediate mission needs, with direct impact on real world situations.  You will see your work used here on a daily basis, and you'll have the opportunity to support a variety of Sponsor mission organizations and mission partner organizations.

This is a time of development and growth on the program, with an increasing number of missions being supported.  The work is high impact and important, and the customer moves quickly.  The environment is fast-paced, flexible, and open to innovation - you'll have more latitude here in choosing how to achieve results than on many other projects.  The customer cares more about what you can do as opposed to your years of experience, and work hours are typically quite flexible - roll up your sleeves, get things done, and no one cares much about the specific hours that you work.  The work space itself is also quite nice, and there is an excellent cafeteria!

The tech stack on this team is rather huge and includes Python (Pandas, numpy, scipy, scikit-learn, standard libraries, etc.), Python packages that wrap Machine Learning (packages for NLP, Object Detection, etc.), Linux, AWS/C2S, Apache NiFi, Spark, pySpark, Hadoop, Kafka, ElasticSearch, Solr, Kibana, neo4J, MariaDB, Postgres, Docker, Puppet, and many others. 

Work on this program takes place in Chantilly, VA, McLean, VA and in various field offices throughout Northern VA (we cannot support remote work) and requires a TS/SCI + Polygraph clearance (acceptable to this customer).

THE ROLE

Responsible for developing end-to-end system features, from user experience to backend code, and deploying those systems across multiple environments. Provide expertise to the development team using Agile methodologies, modern languages, best practices, cloud technologies, and microservices. Ensure solutions align with current and future architecture and operational environments. Strong experience in Python coding, API development, and version control systems (e.g., GitHub) is required. Experience in a microservice / Kubernetes environment is preferred.

Tasks:                  

• Work includes leveraging the Scrum methodology to plan and execute tasks within the project Program Increment strategy                       
• Software development includes the use of Python and shell scripting to interact with internal and external API’s, databases, and services.
• Cloud infrastructure is deployed using AWS C2S available services in the IDL VPC boundaries.  Commonly used AWS tools include Managed OpenSearch, EMR, EC2, Lambdas, etc.
• Microservices and Kubernetes container orchestration is used to deploy applications in a managed way                          
• Working with the ISSM and various networking professionals to ensure data routing and access needs meet customer requirements.
• Activity in the customer space requires the use of Python and/or Java while deploying the code in an automated fashion with Jenkins and GitHub.  This facilitates unit testing, code review, code coverage etc. as part of coding best practices.

Required Skills

• Python 5+ years’ experience in software/application development    
• Full-time on-site in Chantilly, VA with core hours of 9am - 3pm    
• Python development experience, including FastAPI and SQLAlchemy 
• Familiarity with Linux OS Experience with Cloud Infrastructure (AWS, etc.) 
• Experience with CI/CD tools like Jenkins and GitHub
• Understanding of how to build and run containerized applications (Docker, Helm)   
• Familiarity with, or a working under-standing of big data search tools (Airflow, Pyspark, Trino, OpenSearch, Elastic, etc.)    

Desired Skills (Optional)

• Docker
• Jenkins
• Hadoop/Spark
• Kibana
• Kafka
• NiFi
• ElasticSearch  

About The DarkStar Group

Our Company

The DarkStar Group is a small business that solves BIG problems. We're one of the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private companies in the US, and our engineers and scientists support the most critical national security missions in Virginia, Maryland, and elsewhere. Data Science, Software Engineering, Cloud/AWS Infrastructure, and Cyber/CNO are our core areas of expertise. We offer interesting and important work, job security, some of the best and most flexible benefits you'll find in the IC, and salaries so strong that they'll likely surprise you. 

Our Benefits

The DarkStar Group offers exceptional compensation and benefits:

• very strong salaries;
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision premiums for you and all dependents;
• the ability to get increased salary if you don't need medical/dental/vision;
• 100% company-paid disability and life insurance benefits;
• a generously-funded HSA;
• an 8% 401(k) contribution; 
• 31 days of PTO/holidays to start (more with tenure);
• the ability to flex time across pay periods without using your PTO;
• a generous training budget;
• $25,000 employee referral bonuses;
• business development / growth incentives; and
• top notch company swag.

** We have a huge growth opportunity, so we are offering up to a $25,000 reward for anyone new you refer whom we hire. **

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.