Java Software Engineer III with Security Clearance

Java Software Engineer III
Location: on-site San Diego, CA
Clearance required: an active Secret security clearance
Compensation range: $145 - $175K, based on experience & qualifications Position Overview
We are seeking Java Software Engineers to join a collaborative engineering team focused on designing, developing, integrating, and sustaining high-quality software solutions.

Depending on program needs and individual experience, engineers may focus on backend Java services, APIs and system integrations, databases and persistence layers, secure communications, or full-stack web application development. This is an excellent opportunity for engineers who enjoy solving complex technical challenges, working with modern development technologies, and contributing to software that must be secure, reliable, maintainable, and production-ready.

You will work in an Agile Scrum environment alongside software engineers, systems engineers, test engineers, cybersecurity and information assurance professionals, quality assurance teams, subcontractors, and customer stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain Java-based backend services, APIs, integrations, and persistence-layer components.
• Develop and maintain full-stack web applications, including user-interface components and web services.
• Translate user stories, acceptance criteria, system engineering artifacts, and technical requirements into secure, maintainable, and testable software.
• Apply software engineering best practices, including clean-code principles, SOLID design principles, automated testing, secure development, and configuration management.
• Support software integration, troubleshooting, defect resolution, and deployment across development, integration, test, and operational environments.
• Participate in Agile ceremonies such as sprint planning, backlog refinement, reviews, retrospectives, and technical discussions.
• Collaborate across engineering disciplines to maintain strong standards for code quality, test coverage, documentation, security, and delivery.
• Use approved development, build, CI/CD, automated testing, and code-quality tools to support reliable software delivery.
• Support software development and deployment across on-premises, cloud-hosted, containerized, and hybrid environments.
• Partner with infrastructure and cybersecurity teams to support secure application integration and deployment.
• Independently design and deliver assigned features and components, troubleshoot technical issues, contribute to technical design discussions, and collaborate across software, systems, cybersecurity, and test engineering teams. Required Qualifications
• An active Secret security clearance.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related technical discipline, or equivalent qualifications as applicable to the program.
• 8+ years of experience in software development, software engineering, systems integration, or a related technical field.
• Experience with Git or comparable source-code/configuration-management tools.
• Familiarity with Spring Framework, Spring Boot, or comparable application-development frameworks.
• Interest in or exposure to cybersecurity protocols and secure communications.
• Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments, including methodologies such as SAFe or XP.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively within a collaborative engineering team.
• Ability to obtain a DoD 8570-approved security certification, such as Security+, within 90 days of hire. Desired Technical Experience

Experience with one or more of each of the following is highly desirable:
Software & Web Development

• Java, Spring / Spring Boot, Java Swing GUI, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, REST and SOAP web services

Databases

• PostgreSQL, SQL Server, MySQL, ,SQLite, Oracle

DevOps, Build & Quality Tools

• Git / GitHub, Maven, Ant, Gradle, Jenkins, SonarQube, Junit, FishEye, Crucible

Application & Web Servers

• JBoss, WildFly, Tomcat, Cloud & Infrastructure
• AWS, Azure, Hybrid cloud environments, Kubernetes, Ansible, Terraform,

Networking & Security

• HTTPS, TLS and TLS handshakes, Secure communication protocols

Agile & Development Tools

• JIRA, VersionOne, Rally, Scrum / SAFe / XP

Emerging Development Technologies

• AI-, LLM-, or agent-assisted software development tools, including technologies such as OpenCode, Pi, Herdr, and Beads. Want to learn more? Email Brooke Forro at Why Join Kforce? As a W2 consultant with Kforce, you’ll have access to a strong benefits package and ongoing support: Aetna Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan with options to invest
Competitive weekly pay
Paid time off (where applicable)
Dedicated recruiter and care team support
Opportunities to work on high-visibility, mission-driven programs The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future. We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law. This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions. Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

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