Senior Software Engineer (Layer 7 API Gateway & Backend Lead) • Company: Vega Federal • Employment Type: Direct Hire / Full-Time • Salary Range: $160,000 – $200,000 / year • Location: Richardson, TX (100% On-Site | Paid Relocation Available) • Clearance Requirement: Active Top Secret (TS) Clearance required prior to start • Openings: 2 Positions Mandatory Certifications Required Prior to Start • CompTIA Security+ (Active DoD 8570/8140 Baseline Certification) Position Overview Vega Federal is seeking a Senior Software Engineer with 8+ years of professional engineering experience to serve as a technical lead for backend development, complex systems integration, and enterprise API architecture in Richardson, TX. In this role, you will lead the design, security, and optimization of Broadcom Layer 7 API Gateways and high-performance backend Java architectures. You will serve as a subject matter expert across network security protocols, API lifecycle management, and Linux automation while mentoring junior/mid-level engineers in an Agile federal environment. Key Responsibilities • Architect, develop, and optimize mission-critical backend services and integration pipelines using advanced Java and network programming techniques. • Lead the configuration, policy authoring, custom assertion development, and architectural management of Broadcom Layer 7 API Gateway solutions. • Design and execute enterprise Linux automation, deployment scripts, and CI/CD utility workflows to ensure seamless system integration. • Drive end-to-end network security implementations, including OAuth2, SAML, JWT, mutual TLS (mTLS), digital certificates, and secure routing protocols across multi-tier federal networks. • Provide technical leadership and mentorship within Agile engineering teams, driving best practices in code quality, security architecture, and system performance. Required Qualifications • Experience: 8+ years of professional software engineering experience focused on senior-level backend Java architecture, network programming, and enterprise system integration. • Layer 7 Expertise: Deep, hands-on technical experience architecting, configuring, and maintaining Broadcom Layer 7 API Gateways in complex enterprise environments. • Security Clearance: Active Top Secret (TS) Clearance required prior to start date (U.S. Citizenship required). • Certifications: Active CompTIA Security+ certification. • Technical Core: Mastery of Java, Linux shell scripting (Bash/Python), enterprise API design, and core network security protocols. • Location & Work Style: Ability to work 100% on-site in Richardson, TX (or open to paid relocation). Exceptional technical leadership, oral, and written communication skills. Preferred Qualifications • Expertise in enterprise identity/access management, public key infrastructure (PKI), and API security governance. • Strong Linux system administration background and advanced Python development capabilities. • Experience architecting AWS cloud native applications, containerization (Docker), and orchestration (Kubernetes). • Demonstrated experience embedding DevSecOps practices into modern software development lifecycles (SDLC).