Innovation Developer - Lead

Job Description

Saalex Corporation is seeking an Innovation Developer - Lead to drive enterprise software modernization initiatives through advanced development automation, Digital Workforce Agents (DWAs), and secure DevSecOps practices.

This role serves as a technical leader responsible for advancing modern software engineering approaches across Saalex programs, including AI-assisted development, automation frameworks, and CI/CD pipeline standardization. The Innovation Developer – Lead will work closely with engineering teams, architects, and program leadership to accelerate modernization of legacy systems and implement scalable development platforms that improve software delivery speed, quality, and security.

This role will play a key part in advancing Saalex innovation initiatives, including software modernization, digital workforce automation, and next-generation development platforms supporting federal customers through the ASCENT Innovation Lab.

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $130k-$150k (depending on experience)

Work Site: Varies

Work Location: Remote

Essential Functions:

• Lead software modernization initiatives using advanced development tooling and AI-assisted coding platforms (e.g., Windsurf)
• Design and implement Digital Workforce Agents (DWAs) to automate engineering, analysis, and operational workflows across programs
• Develop and maintain standardized CI/CD pipelines supporting secure and automated software delivery
• Establish reusable development frameworks and automation patterns to accelerate modernization of legacy systems
• Implement DevSecOps best practices including automated security testing, container scanning, and compliance validation
• Design and support enterprise development platforms that enable standardized tooling, automated environments, and secure integration capabilities
• Collaborate with software engineers, architects, and program leadership to modernize applications using cloud-native architectures, APIs, and microservices
• Identify engineering roles and operational processes that can be augmented through automation or Digital Workforce Agents
• Evaluate emerging development technologies and recommend adoption strategies that improve engineering efficiency and modernization outcomes
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams implementing DevSecOps pipelines and automation frameworks
• Support proposal development and technical solutioning for modernization and automation initiatives
• Ensure development practices align with federal cybersecurity and compliance frameworks including NIST, RMF, and Zero Trust principles

Key Technologies/Security Compliance:

• AI-assisted development platforms (Windsurf, GitHub Copilot)
• CI/CD automation (GitHub Actions, GitLab CI/CD, Jenkins, Azure DevOps)
• Containerization and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes, Helm)
• Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Bicep, CloudFormation)
• AI orchestration frameworks (LangChain, Flowise, Semantic Kernel)
• Workflow automation platforms (n8n or similar orchestration tools)
• API gateways and integration platforms (Kong, REST APIs, GraphQL)
• Security scanning and DevSecOps tools (Snyk, SonarQube, Trivy)
• Cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud)
• Event-driven architectures and messaging platforms (Kafka, Service Bus)
• Model Context Protocol (MCP) and MCP servers for AI tool integration

Requirements

Required:

• 8+ years of experience in software engineering, DevOps, platform engineering, or software modernization environments
• 3+ years leading technical teams or enterprise engineering initiatives
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing CI/CD pipelines and DevSecOps practices
• Experience modernizing legacy applications through refactoring, API enablement, or containerization
• Strong knowledge of modern software development lifecycle (SDLC) practices
• Experience with automation frameworks and workflow orchestration tools
• Familiarity with cloud-native development environments (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
• Experience integrating security practices into development pipelines (SAST, DAST, container scanning)
• Demonstrated ability to work across multiple teams and programs to implement engineering standards and modernization approaches
• Strong analytical and technical problem-solving capability
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Desired:

• Experience implementing AI-assisted development tools (e.g., Windsurf, Copilot, or similar platforms)
• Experience developing or implementing Digital Workforce Agents or intelligent automation solutions
• Experience supporting DoD or federal IT modernization programs
• Experience building reusable engineering frameworks or internal developer platforms
• Experience supporting DevSecOps transformations in regulated environments
• Familiarity with container orchestration platforms (Kubernetes)
• PMP, ITIL, Agile, Azure, AWS, or other relevant certifications

Education:

BA/BS degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related technical field preferred. Equivalent experience may be considered.

Security Clearance:

Active Secret clearance required; Top Secret preferred. Requirements to obtain a clearance include US Citizenship, security investigation, etc.  

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Wellness Resources
• Stock Option Benefit