Principal Program Engineer

Important Notice for Applicants: At Bixal, we want to ensure a transparent and secure application process for all candidates. Official communication will come from an email address ending in @bixal.com or from [email protected]. Messages from other sources may be fraudulent, and you should exercise care to avoid any links or attachments included. If you experience any challenges with your submission, please contact us at [email protected]. We're here to help!Bixal will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. If you require any accommodation as part of our recruitment process, please contact us at [email protected]. You can expect a response from a team member within 24 hours during the regular work week and on the next operating day during the weekend or holidays.About Us:Bixal is a consulting company based in Fairfax, VA, working alongside governments and organizations to help them deliver better services and experiences to the communities they serve. Using evidence-based knowledge and technology, Bixal empowers clients to deliver on their missions more effectively by fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement.LocationThis role can work remotely from anywhere in the USA. You must be legally authorized to work in the US. Bixal does not provide visa sponsorship.  What Will You Do?As a Principal Program Engineer at Bixal, you will play a critical role in guiding and supporting our engineering teams to deliver high-quality software solutions. You will coordinate with federal enablement teams and lead engineering efforts across multiple scrum teams. Your expertise in modern software development practices and a variety of technologies will be crucial in driving the success of our projects.ResponsibilitiesCoordinate with federal enablement teams and provide engineering leadership across scrum teams.Support a development team using a mix of technologies, including Ruby on Rails, React, AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, Java, and Python.Adhere to modern software development practices including accessibility, documentation, testing, observability, and monitoring.Ensure engineering decisions are architecturally sound with future maintainability in mind.Participate in and facilitate software design meetings, architectural intent and decision-making discussions, and similar activities.Identify and implement improvements to the developer experience including quick and effective onboarding of new engineers and ease of development and testing across products.Build relationships and foster open collaboration with partner teams on the VA.gov platform and other stakeholders.Perform other duties as assigned. QualificationsBachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.8+ years of experience in software engineering, with a focus on leadership or program management roles.Proven experience with Ruby on Rails, React, AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, Java, and Python.Strong understanding of software development practices, including agile methodologies.Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to make sound engineering decisions.Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.Experience in leading and mentoring engineering teams.Ability to obtain a Public Trust clearance. Nice to havesExperience working with federal agencies, particularly the Department of Veterans Affairs.Familiarity with the VA.gov platform and its ecosystem.Experience and certifications in DevOps practices and tools.Certification in Agile methodologies (e.g., Scrum Master, Product Owner).Experience in improving developer experience and enhancing team productivity.Perks & Benefits:Competitive base salaryFlex hoursWork from home flexibility401K with matching incentiveParental LeaveMedical/dental/vision benefitsFlex Spending AccountCompany provided short-term disabilityCompany provided life insuranceCommuter benefitsGenerous PTO11 Paid holidaysProfessional development opportunitiesNew business referral bonusPlease note that candidates selected may undergo a background investigation and, if applicable, meet eligibility requirements for suitability.Bixal is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. It ensures equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization and beyond.