Principal Frontend Engineer

This is a U.S. based position.

All of the programs we support require U.S. citizenship to be eligible for employment.

All work must be conducted within the continental U.S.Who we are:Raft (https://TeamRaft.com) is a customer-obsessed non-traditional defense tech company dedicated to empowering U.S. military and government agencies with cutting-edge AI/ML and data solutions.

We are a leader in autonomous data fusion and Agentic AI, with a purposeful focus on Distributed Data Systems, Platforms at Scale, and Complex Application Development.

With headquarters in McLean, VA, our range of clients includes innovative federal and public agencies leveraging design thinking, cutting-edge tech stack, and cloud-native ecosystem.

We build digital solutions that impact the lives of millions of Americans.We’re looking for an experienced Principal Frontend Engineerto support our customers and join our passionate team of high-impact problem solvers.About the

role: In your role as a Principal Full Stack Engineer , you will lead the design and development of scalable, user-centric frontend systems that power Raft's flagship products.

You'll architect and implement robust solutions using React, Vue, and/or Angular while ensuring security, performance, and reliability across

mission-critical applications.

As a hands-on technical leader, you'll mentor engineers while spending significant time writing code and solving complex technical challenges.

You'll work closely with customers at deployment sites, gathering feedback and implementing improvements.What we are looking for: 8+ years of front end and back end software engineering experience using modern, component-based UI frameworks.Proven experience building and scaling complex user interfaces and component architecturesDeep understanding of DevSecOps principles and practices, including ICAMExperience with containerized deployments and CI/CD pipelinesStrong experience with modern full stack architectures and design systemsExperience with real-time data visualization and high-performance renderingKnowledge of security best practices for enterprise and government systemsProven track record of mentoring engineering talentExperience designing modular, extensible component systemsProficiency with Agentic AI coding toolsExcellent problem-solving and communication skillsFast learner, analytical thinker, hands-on approach to technical leadershipHighly preferred:Experience with highly regulated industries or stringent security/compliance standardsFamiliarity with classification levels and secure development practicesExperience with edge computing and tactical deploymentsKnowledge of AI/ML interface design and data visualizationExperience with progressive web apps in air-gapped environmentsBackground in accessible design (WCAG) and real-time data renderingContributions to open-source projects or technical publicationsExperience with browser-based geospatial visualization libraries (e.g., Leaflet, OpenLayers, Mapbox).Clearance

Requirements:Ability to obtain and maintain an active TS SCI security clearancePreference for candidates with an active clearanceWork Type:Remote with a preference for candidates based in Hawaii, DMV/NCR, Tampa, FL or Hanscom AFB, MAForeign and domestic travel up to 35% to customer sitesWhat we will offer you: Highly competitive salaryFully covered healthcare, dental, and vision coverage401(k) and company matchTake as you need PTO + 11 paid holidaysEducation & training benefitsGenerous Referral BonusesAnd More!Our Vision Statement: We bridge the gap between humans and data through radical transparency and our obsession with the mission.

Our Customer Obsession:We will approach every deliverable like it's a product.

We will adopt a customer-obsessed mentality.

As we grow, and our footprint becomes larger, teams and employees will treat each other not only as teammates but customers.

We must live the customer-obsessed mindset, always.

This will help us scale and it will translate to the interactions that our Rafters have with their clients and other product teams that they integrate with.

Our culture will enable our success and set us apart from other companies.How do we get there?Public-sector modernization is critical for us to live in a better world.

We, at Raft, want to innovate and solve complex problems.

And, if we are successful, our generation and the ones that follow us will live in a delightful, efficient, and accessible world where out-of-box thinking, and collaboration is a norm.

Raft’s core philosophy is Ubuntu: I Am, Because We are.

We support our “nadi” by elevating the other Rafters.

We work as a hyper collaborative team where each team member brings a unique perspective, adding value that did not exist before.

People make Raft special.

We celebrate each other and our cognitive and cultural diversity.

We are devoted to our practice of innovation and collaboration.

We’re an equal opportunity employer.

All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.Originally posted on Himalayas