Junior Software Developer
Applied Research Associates, Fort Belvoir, VA, United States
The Capabilities, Analysis and Development (CAD) division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) has an outstanding opportunity for a
Junior Software Developer
to support a multi‑disciplinary team delivering software across the DoD mission space. The developer will work in Agile teams to scope requirements, implement front‑end and back‑end features, and support secure deployments to DoD environments. Clear, organized documentation and collaboration with customers and stakeholders are essential.
The Junior Software Developer supports the design, development, and delivery of data analysis tools, collaboration systems, and visualizations that address real‑world operational needs and capability gaps for government customers. Working within a team‑based Agile environment, the developer collaborates closely with government leads to refine requirements and acceptance criteria. Responsibilities include implementing features using HTML, CSS, Angular, and Python, adapting shared components, and maintaining code in remote git repositories. The developer participates in scoping relevant datasets and platforms, producing wireframes and mockups, iterating through development/testing cycles, and incorporating user feedback. They support deployment of solutions to cloud, local, and edge environments and assist with preparing documentation, product updates, and backlog inputs.
This position is contingent upon ability to be upgraded to a TS/SCI clearance and award of a contract expected in January 2027.
Required Qualifications:
Must be a US citizen.
Active and current SECRET clearance or higher with ability to upgrade to a TS/SCI clearance.
Bachelor’s degree in computer science/software engineering or similar with 2+ years’ experience, or a Master’s degree in computer science/software engineering or similar.
Proficiency in one or more programming languages (Java, Python, Golang).
Proficiency in Python and modern web languages (HTML/CSS/JavaScript) as well as common frameworks (Angular, Vue, React)
Familiarity with Agile, git source control management, CI/CD processes
Ability to write clearly and produce documentation, user guides, software requirements, and training materials.
Desired Qualifications:
Familiarity with cloud service offerings (AWS, Azure, GCE)
Familiarity with containerized software deployments (Docker, Kubernetes, Helm)
Familiarity with SharePoint site design, management, and development
Familiarity with modern SQL and NoSQL databases (Postgres, MySQL, Redis, MongoDB)
COMPANY INFORMATION:
Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 1200 professionals. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.
At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership fosters greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com.
Please apply at www.careers.ara.com for the
Junior Software Developer
position.
Experience
Required
Less than 4 year(s): Experience in software development
Education
Required
Bachelors or better in Computer Science
Preferred
Masters or better in Computer Science or related field
Behaviors
Required
Thought Provoking: Capable of making others think deeply on a subject
Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
Motivations
Required
Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Inspired to perform well by an ability to drive new ventures within the business
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Junior Software Developer
to support a multi‑disciplinary team delivering software across the DoD mission space. The developer will work in Agile teams to scope requirements, implement front‑end and back‑end features, and support secure deployments to DoD environments. Clear, organized documentation and collaboration with customers and stakeholders are essential.
The Junior Software Developer supports the design, development, and delivery of data analysis tools, collaboration systems, and visualizations that address real‑world operational needs and capability gaps for government customers. Working within a team‑based Agile environment, the developer collaborates closely with government leads to refine requirements and acceptance criteria. Responsibilities include implementing features using HTML, CSS, Angular, and Python, adapting shared components, and maintaining code in remote git repositories. The developer participates in scoping relevant datasets and platforms, producing wireframes and mockups, iterating through development/testing cycles, and incorporating user feedback. They support deployment of solutions to cloud, local, and edge environments and assist with preparing documentation, product updates, and backlog inputs.
This position is contingent upon ability to be upgraded to a TS/SCI clearance and award of a contract expected in January 2027.
Required Qualifications:
Must be a US citizen.
Active and current SECRET clearance or higher with ability to upgrade to a TS/SCI clearance.
Bachelor’s degree in computer science/software engineering or similar with 2+ years’ experience, or a Master’s degree in computer science/software engineering or similar.
Proficiency in one or more programming languages (Java, Python, Golang).
Proficiency in Python and modern web languages (HTML/CSS/JavaScript) as well as common frameworks (Angular, Vue, React)
Familiarity with Agile, git source control management, CI/CD processes
Ability to write clearly and produce documentation, user guides, software requirements, and training materials.
Desired Qualifications:
Familiarity with cloud service offerings (AWS, Azure, GCE)
Familiarity with containerized software deployments (Docker, Kubernetes, Helm)
Familiarity with SharePoint site design, management, and development
Familiarity with modern SQL and NoSQL databases (Postgres, MySQL, Redis, MongoDB)
COMPANY INFORMATION:
Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 1200 professionals. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.
At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership fosters greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com.
Please apply at www.careers.ara.com for the
Junior Software Developer
position.
Experience
Required
Less than 4 year(s): Experience in software development
Education
Required
Bachelors or better in Computer Science
Preferred
Masters or better in Computer Science or related field
Behaviors
Required
Thought Provoking: Capable of making others think deeply on a subject
Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
Motivations
Required
Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Inspired to perform well by an ability to drive new ventures within the business
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.