Job DescriptionJob Description
Senior Technical Lead — R&D Mission Platforms
Location: United States
Work Model: Remote
Travel: Approximately 15% for R&D events, technical demos, and collaboration sessions
Clearance: U.S. citizenship required. Active Secret clearance preferred; candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
Role Overview
Rackner is seeking a Senior Technical Lead — R&D Mission Platforms to help design, prototype, demonstrate, and advance mission-relevant software capabilities within our internal R&D environment.
This is a hands-on technical leadership role for someone who can move from concept to working software quickly, operate in ambiguity, and communicate technical ideas clearly to engineering and non-engineering stakeholders. You will work closely with Rackner's technical leadership and R&D team to build modern platform capabilities, support technical demos, and help translate operational needs into practical software solutions.
The right candidate will be comfortable balancing deep technical work with customer-facing interaction. This role is not a traditional heads-down engineering position. It is designed for someone who can build, explain, iterate, and represent technical work in mission-focused environments.
What You'll Do
Lead the design, prototyping, and development of mission-relevant software and platform capabilitiesBuild backend services, APIs, full-stack applications, and cloud-native components using modern engineering practicesTranslate ambiguous mission needs, user workflows, and technical concepts into working softwareSupport rapid build, demo, feedback, and iteration cycles for R&D initiativesCollaborate directly with technical leadership, R&D engineers, and stakeholders on architecture and implementation decisionsParticipate in technical demos, customer-facing discussions, and mission-focused eventsHelp shape system design, platform direction, and technical tradeoffs across emerging capabilitiesGuide or mentor other engineers through architecture decisions, prototyping efforts, and implementation challengesDeploy and support applications in cloud-native, containerized, or Kubernetes-based environmentsUse modern development workflows, including AI-assisted tools where appropriate, to accelerate prototyping, testing, and deliveryRepresent Rackner's technical work with clarity, professionalism, and credibility in collaborative settings
Minimum Qualifications
U.S. citizenship required due to federal contract requirementsProfessional background developing software systems, backend services, APIs, full-stack applications, or platform capabilitiesProficiency with Python, JavaScript / TypeScript, or similar modern programming languagesHands-on knowledge of cloud platforms, containers, Kubernetes, DevSecOps, or cloud-native deployment environmentsAbility to work independently in ambiguous, prototype-driven, or fast-moving technical settingsStrong communication skills with the ability to explain complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiencesDemonstrated ownership of engineering outcomes from concept through implementationWillingness to travel approximately 15% for R&D events, technical demos, collaboration sessions, or mission-focused engagements
Preferred Qualifications
Active Secret clearance or higherBackground supporting DoD, Air Force, Platform One, Big Bang, DevSecOps, mission planning, C2, ISR, autonomy, or defense software programsAbility to engage with operators, mission users, customers, or non-engineering stakeholders to understand workflows and translate needs into technical solutionsFamiliarity with Python, TypeScript, JavaScript, React, Go, FastAPI, Postgres, AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, Helm, Terraform, or CI/CD toolingHistory of leading engineering projects, serving as an informal technical lead, or guiding architecture decisionsInvolvement in technical demos, pilots, field events, customer-facing discussions, or live exercisesBackground building in R&D, prototype-heavy, startup-like, defense tech, or mission-focused environmentsExposure to AI-enabled systems, LLMs, automation-heavy software, data-driven decision tools, or autonomy-adjacent technologiesFamiliarity with secure software delivery, observability, infrastructure-as-code, or compliance-aware engineering practices
Travel & Event Support
This role requires approximately 15% travel for R&D events, technical demos, collaboration sessions, and mission-focused engagements. Travel is planned in advance whenever possible and may include participation in customer-facing or internal engineering events.
About Rackner
Rackner is a software consultancy focused on building mission-critical systems for the U.S. government. Our teams work across cloud platforms, DevSecOps, AI/ML, distributed systems, and modern software engineering initiatives supporting federal agencies and national security missions.
Rackner engineers collaborate closely with technical leadership, program teams, and mission stakeholders to design, build, and improve software systems that address complex operational challenges.
Benefits & Perks
Rackner invests in its people, because when you grow, we all win.
Company-supported certifications aligned to current and future program work, including cloud, Kubernetes, DevSecOps, security, AI/ML, project management, and related technical areasClear advancement tracks and future leadership opportunities401(k) with 100% match up to 6%Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverageGenerous PTO and paid holidaysHome-office equipment plan and remote work supportFitness and wellness reimbursementWeekly pay schedule and modern perks, including team events
Equal Opportunity
Rackner is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.
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