Software Engineer

Build things that matter. Write effective, scalable code supporting CMS as it merges systems into one AI-driven platform - reducing manual effort, improving data accuracy, and bringing cutting-edge NLP and LLM techniques to public services.

Automate all the toil. Own CI/CD pipelines end to end, automating build, test, and deployment workflows with tools like Jenkins, plus Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Ansible) so deployments are boring in the best possible way.

Test like you mean it. Build and maintain automated test suites - unit, integration, regression - wired straight into the pipeline as quality gates, and provide real test-coverage analysis instead of crossed fingers.

Containerize and ship. Package and deploy workloads with Docker (and friends) for repeatable, scalable, what-you-build-is-what-you-run environments.

Hunt the bugs. Investigate and debug test failures throughout the lifecycle, update tests or file bugs as needed, and keep the build green and honest.

Bake in security. Integrate code-quality checks and security gates (think SonarQube, Snyk) into the pipeline so problems get caught before they ship, not after.

Design with humans in mind. Work closely with human-centered design experts to build solutions that are intuitive, responsive, and personalized to each user’s needs.

Make things faster. Develop and tune back-end components to improve responsiveness and overall performance.

3–5 years of hands-on software engineering experience, with strong coding chops in Python (and friends).

Real DevOps / DevSecOps / DevTestOps experience. You know CI/CD isn’t a buzzword; you’ve actually automated build, test, and deployment workflows.

Test automation skill. You’ve built automated tests and integrated them into pipelines with code-quality checks and security gates, not bolted them on at the end.

A feel for good pipelines. Scalable, maintainable, and integrated with testing frameworks. You know, the kind that make the whole team faster.

Containerization experience (Docker or Kubernetes) and comfort with REST APIs.

Fluency in an agile flavor or two - Scrum, Lean, or SAFe.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively across a busy mix of stakeholders.

You’ve got AI chops, experience with NLP, LLMs, or ML-driven applications.

You’ve previously supported CMS or another federal agency.

Bonus unicorn points if you’ve worked inside a FISMA boundary or supported an ATO/cATO effort.

Even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply. At Skyward, we’re focused on hiring individuals with the right skills and passion to grow, not just checking off every box.

Medical, dental, vision insurance

15 days of paid leave

7 days of sick leave

2 days bereavement leave

11 paid Federal holidays

Up to 40 hours for jury duty

401K with 4% employer contribution (and no vesting period)

Up to 4 weeks of paid paternity and maternity leave

Company provided laptop

$5,000 per year for professional development

$600 per year for technical supplies and equipment

$2,000 referral bonus

Life and disability insurance

HSA and FSA

Legal Shield and ID Shield Voluntary Benefits

Opportunity to work in a collaborative, motivated team focused on modernizing government services with cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions. Who says government work can't be exciting!

At Skyward, we support flexible working hours and remote opportunities to help maintain a healthy work-life balance for all employees.

Offers of employment with Skyward are contingent upon acceptable results of a background investigation.

Applicants must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance due to the nature of our work as a government contractor.