Senior Lead Software Engineer – Network Infrastructure, Automation

Nightwing

Senior Lead Software Engineer developing resilient and scalable network infrastructure systems at Nightwing. Collaborating on network automation systems using advanced technologies like software-defined networking and AI-driven intelligence.

Posted 7/15/2026full-timeAnnapolis Junction • Maryland, Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $122,000 - $253,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in developing and implementing software-defined networking solutions, with a strong focus on network automation, infrastructure management, and adherence to DevSecOps practices. Proficient in Python, containerization technologies, and network protocols, ensuring operational efficiency and high-performance standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Python DevelopmentNetwork AutomationDevSecOps MethodologiesContainerization (Kubernetes, Docker)Networking Protocols (BGP, MPLS, IP)

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Network Infrastructure DevelopmentInfrastructure-as-CodeShell ScriptingCI/CD Tools (Jenkins, GitLab CI)Distributed SystemsEvent-Driven AutomationAPIs DevelopmentAI-Driven Analytics IntegrationAgile Development PracticesRoot Cause Analysis

Soft Skills

Problem-SolvingCritical ThinkingCommunicationCollaborationMentoring

Tools & Technologies

VMware NSX-TLinux-Based EnvironmentsAnsibleTerraformHelmPodman

Certifications & Qualifications

Active TS/SCI Clearance

Industry Keywords

Software-Defined NetworkingNetwork Performance StandardsInfrastructure ManagementMicroservices ArchitecturesOperational Stability

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AnsibleDistributed SystemsDockerJenkinsKubernetesLinuxMicroservicesPythonShell ScriptingSwitchingTerraformTypeScriptVMware

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the development, implementation, and delivery of software-defined networking (SDN) solutions for software-defined networks, ensuring timelines, technical requirements, and network performance standards are met across highly resilient and scalable infrastructure
Design, develop, and implement network automation solutions and infrastructure management platforms using Python and modern web technologies to reduce manual intervention and improve operational efficiency
Develop and maintain network automation frameworks, APIs, and tooling that integrate with network devices, controllers, and monitoring systems, writing clean, maintainable infrastructure-as-code that adheres to coding standards
Integrate AI-driven analytics and automation capabilities into network operations to augment performance monitoring, anomaly detection, and predictive maintenance workflows
Drive adoption and governance of approved AI-assisted engineering practices across teams to improve code quality, delivery speed, and operational outcomes (e.g., AI-assisted code review/refactoring, test acceleration, release readiness, incident/root-cause analysis)
Build and optimize containerized network applications (Kubernetes, Helm) and microservices architectures for network management and orchestration
Develop solutions for event-driven network automation and large-scale infrastructure workflows using modern protocols and APIs
Collaborate with network architects, security teams, product owners, and infrastructure engineers in an Agile environment, conducting code reviews and troubleshooting network applications to meet performance and reliability requirements
Mentor engineers on network automation and infrastructure-as-code principles while influencing technical direction by evaluating emerging SDN technologies and DevSecOps methodologies
Maintain adherence to agile development practices and modern DevSecOps workflows with a focus on security and reliability

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) or equivalent practical experience
5+ years of experience in network infrastructure development and DevOps networking engineering
Hands-on practical experience delivering system design, application development, testing, and operational stability
Strong experience developing software with Python and Shell Scripting for network automation and infrastructure management
Deep understanding of networking protocols and technologies including BGP, VRF, MPLS, IP, TCP, and UDP as applied to datacenter and mission-critical contexts
Experience with VMware NSX-T or similar SDN platforms for software-defined networking solutions including logical switching, routing, load balancing, distributed firewall, and micro-segmentation
Proficiency in Linux-based development environments and infrastructure automation
Strong experience with distributed systems and containerized applications using technologies such as Kubernetes, Podman, or Docker
Experience with CI/CD tools (Jenkins, GitLab CI) for infrastructure automation pipelines and infrastructure-as-code practices (Ansible, Terraform)
Knowledge of DevSecOps tools and workflows, including version control systems like Git
Exceptional problem-solving and critical thinking skills with ability to decompose complex network infrastructure challenges and perform root cause analysis across distributed systems
Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams
Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph U.S. citizenship required.

Benefits

Comp & perks

medical, vision and dental insurance coverage
401k plan
PTO
Holidays
additional insurances