IT SME

Overview
This position is fully on-site in Washington, DC and does not permit any hybrid/remote work. Candidates must possess an active Top Secret clearance to be considered.
The IT SME, Senior, will lead and accelerate development efforts in an AI-assisted, high-performance environment. This role will have a deep technical background, including advanced skills in Java (Spring Boot), Angular (21+), PostgreSQL, and AWS architectures, as well as experience utilizing AI coding assistants such as Claude or Amazon Q Developer.
This position requires innovativeness in adopting AI-rich tools for generating code, unit tests, and accelerating application development while ensuring all generated outputs meet strict security, cloud architecture, and database standards. Clear human oversight, technical precision, and quality assurance are integral to delivering secure, scalable, and high-performing enterprise code.
This position aligns with Cayuse's core values of Innovation, Excellence, Collaboration, Adaptability, and Integrity by fostering technical solutions that meet customer needs, promoting teamwork, and prioritizing quality in deliverables.
Responsibilities

• Develop, review, and optimize back-end services using Java (Spring Boot) and front-end interfaces using Angular 21+.
• Leverage AI tools for efficient development, including generating boilerplate code, writing unit tests, and conducting application modernization tasks.
• Ensure compliance with AWS cloud architecture standards and PostgreSQL database standards.
• Perform in-depth reviews, debugging, and optimization of AI-generated code to prevent integration issues, low-quality abstractions, or security vulnerabilities.
• Advocate for best practices in code maintainability, software versioning, and adherence to project requirements.
• Actively contribute to the architecture and design of scalable, secure, and efficient software systems, particularly in an AI-driven development workflow.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.
• A minimum of 5+ years of software engineering experience, with demonstrated expertise in key technologies.
• Technical Skills:
  • Java (Spring Boot): At least 4 years of hands-on experience designing and developing back-end services.
  • Angular 17 or higher: Minimum of 4 years of front-end development experience.
  • PostgreSQL: At least 3 years of database design, development, and optimization.
  • AWS Environments: Proficiency in using AWS tools, services, and cloud architecture.
  • Proven ability to work in AI-assisted development workflows, including generating and validating AI-generated code.
• Strong debugging and troubleshooting skills, with expertise in refining and optimizing large-scale enterprise applications.
• Excellent software architecture design capabilities, with the ability to effectively guide and correct AI assistants during development.
• Active Top Secret Security Clearance is required.
• Must be able to pass a background check. May require additional background checks as required by projects and/or clients at any time during employment.

Minimum Skills Required:

• Proficient in Microsoft and Adobe toolsets, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Acrobat, etc.
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills; able to work effectively with diverse technical teams.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to troubleshoot complex issues.
• Proactive, adaptable, and comfortable working in dynamic project environments.
• Ability to interpret technical requirements, identify gaps, and coordinate with specialized teams to resolve them.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and organizational skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Containerization: Demonstrated experience using containerization tools such as Docker.
• CI/CD: Familiarity with Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment pipelines for automated testing and deployment across environments.
• Agile Development: Proficiency working in Agile development environments, including participation in sprints, standups, and retrospectives.

Our Commitment to you / overview of benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance; Wellness Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care, Commuter)
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability options
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Company Provided)
• Voluntary Life and AD&D options
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with matching after one year
• Paid Time Off

Reports to: Program Manager
Working Conditions

• Professional office environment with the ability to work on-site.
• Must be physically and mentally able to perform duties extended periods of time.
• Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed to meet the demands of this position.
• Must be able to establish a productive and professional workspace.
• Must be able to sit for long periods of time looking at computer screen.
• May be asked to work a flexible schedule which may include holidays.
• May be asked to travel for business or professional development purposes.
• May be asked to work hours outside of normal business hours.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Cayuse is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, skills, and abilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment in accordance with any applicable federal, state, or local law.