Clarity Innovations

Principal CNO Engineer

Clarity Innovations • $120K — $150K *
Herndon, VA 20171In-Person
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
1 month ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Must obtain and maintain TS/SCI security clearance (US Citizenship required)
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (or 4 years of equivalent hands-on experience)
  • 6-10+ years of software development experience, focusing on CNO/OCO tool development
  • Expert-level proficiency in C/C++ and Python; strong experience with Assembly (x86/x64/ARM) or Go preferred
  • Deep understanding of OS internals (Windows/Linux) and CNO tool interactions with kernel and user-mode components
  • Proven experience with containerization (Docker, Podman) and version control for large-scale projects
  • Ability to execute independently in high-pressure environments while fostering collaboration

Responsibilities

  • Lead development of high-performance CNO tools using C, Python, and Go, ensuring platform compatibility
  • Drive integration of CNO tools, focusing on backend capabilities and platform architecture
  • Perform Reverse Engineering using Ghidra, IDA, or Binary Ninja for tool design and troubleshooting
  • Design and maintain CI/CD pipelines to streamline code to mission-ready transition
  • Develop across Linux and Windows with a focus on cross-platform interoperability
  • Translate high-level designs into actionable technical tasks for the team
  • Bridge communication between developers and operators to ensure user-friendly CNO tools

Benefits

  • Professional development opportunities and technical mentorship
  • Collaborative work environment with a focus on high-trust dynamics
  • Access to cutting-edge technology in cyber operations
  • Engagement with high-stakes customer missions
  • Opportunities to influence tool roadmaps directly based on customer feedback
Full Job Description
Role

As a Principal CNO Developer, you will be the technical anchor for the development and integration of specialized cyber tools into our core platform. This role requires a "player-coach" mentality: you will lead the implementation of complex CNO features while ensuring that these tools integrate seamlessly with both the platform infrastructure and the end-user's workflow. You will serve as the primary technical point of contact for CNO tool lifecycle management-from initial prototyping to final user-facing integration.
Responsibilities
Development & CNO Integration
  • Lead the development of high-performance CNO tools using C, Python, and Go, ensuring they are optimized for platform compatibility.
  • Drive CNO tool integration, focusing on how backend capabilities interface with the broader platform architecture to ensure reliable delivery and execution.
  • Perform Reverse Engineering (using Ghidra, IDA, or Binary Ninja) to inform tool design and troubleshoot integration hurdles.
  • Design and maintain integration-focused build systems and CI/CD pipelines that streamline the path from "code complete" to "mission ready."
  • Develop across Linux and Windows environments, with a specific focus on cross-platform interoperability and persistence.
  • Translate high-level architectural designs into actionable technical tasks for the engineering team.
User Integration & Technical Leadership
  • Bridge the gap between developers and operators, ensuring that CNO tools are intuitive and meet the specific functional needs of the end-user.
  • Act as the Technical Lead for specific toolsets, mentoring mid-level developers and ensuring code quality remains elite.
  • Decompose complex mission requirements into modular technical components that can be integrated into the platform's ecosystem.
  • Contribute directly to the codebase to solve the most difficult integration "bottlenecks" that stop tools from reaching the field.
Customer & Mission Engagement
  • Serve as the CNO Subject Matter Expert for the customer, providing deep technical insight during bi-weekly release cycles.
  • Gather direct operator feedback to influence the tool roadmap, ensuring we aren't just building "cool tech," but tools that work in high-stakes environments.
  • Analyze customer platform requirements to perform trade-off analysis (e.g., performance vs. stealth, or modularity vs. ease of deployment).
  • Proactively identify future integration needs based on evolving customer mission sets and platform updates.
Required Qualifications
  • Clearance: Must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance (US Citizenship required).
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field (or 4 years of equivalent hands-on experience).
  • Experience: 6-10+ years of professional software development experience, with a heavy emphasis on CNO/OCO tool development.
  • Languages: Expert-level proficiency in C/C++ and Python; strong experience with Assembly (x86/x64/ARM) or Go is highly preferred.
  • Platform Knowledge: Deep understanding of OS internals (Windows/Linux) and how CNO tools interact with kernel and user-mode components.
  • Tools: Proven experience with containerization (Docker, Podman) and version control for large-scale integration projects.
  • Mindset: Ability to execute independently in high-pressure environments while maintaining a collaborative, high-trust team dynamic.

About Clarity Innovations

Clarity Innovations offers technical and consultation services to help companies to design, create, and publish education-specific professional development materials in a variety of formats, applications, and online collaboration tools. The company’s service portfolio includes expertise consulting, marketing strategy and analysis, product management, instructional content design, digital learning development, and customer engagement. Clarity Innovations was founded in 1996 and is based in Portland, Oregon.

Clarity Innovations Careers

Joining Clarity Innovations marks the beginning of a unique journey in a company where innovation meets leadership, and diversity fuels growth. Clarity Innovations stands out as a beacon of professional development and technological advancement, offering a plethora of job opportunities that cater to a wide range of skills and interests.

Explore Career Opportunities

Clarity Innovations is actively hiring and continuously seeks passionate, creative, and solution-driven team players. Explore open positions that align with your professional skills and career ambitions. Clarity Innovations values curiosity and leadership, qualities that each team member brings to the forefront of every project.

Innovation and Professional Growth

At Clarity Innovations, the path to professional growth is enriched with endless opportunities. From advanced training programs to leadership development, Clarity Innovations is dedicated to empowering its employees. The company's commitment to innovation is not just about technology but also about pioneering new ways to work and lead.

Diversity and Inclusion

With a firm belief in the power of diversity, Clarity Innovations fosters an inclusive culture that thrives on different perspectives and ideas. Diversity training is integral to the company's ethos, ensuring that all team members feel valued and understood.

Internship Programs

Clarity Innovations offers robust internship programs that provide a solid foundation for a flourishing career. Interns gain hands-on experience, working alongside seasoned professionals and engaging in projects that challenge and enhance their abilities.

Benefits and Culture

The benefits at Clarity Innovations go beyond traditional employment perks. Employees enjoy a supportive and dynamic work environment that promotes personal and professional well-being. The company culture is built on mutual respect, collaboration, and a shared vision for success.

Networking and Career Advancement

Networking within Clarity Innovations opens doors to influential connections and insightful exchanges. The company encourages networking events and professional gatherings that help employees expand their horizons and advance their careers.

Applying for a Position

To apply for a position at Clarity Innovations, candidates are encouraged to submit a resume that highlights relevant experience and skills. The interview process is designed to assess not only professional capabilities but also a fit with the company’s culture and values.

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Join the Clarity Innovations Team

Search for job opportunities that match your skills and interests. Clarity Innovations is looking for individuals who are driven to innovate and lead in their respective fields.

READ CAREERS BLOG

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Sign up to receive personalized job alerts and the latest news from Clarity Innovations. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Clarity Innovations. By fostering a culture of innovation, leadership, and diversity, Clarity Innovations not only propels its own growth but also contributes significantly to the industry's advancement. Join Clarity Innovations and be part of a team that is shaping the future.
Learn more about Clarity Innovations
Size
11 employees
Industry
Enterprise Technology
* Ladders Estimates

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