Application Engineer - 2765_8 - 4953

Application Engineer

Galapagos Federal Systems LLC is seeking a qualified Application Engineer to support a mission-critical Department of Defense (DoD) database system managed by the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC). The system serves as a centralized, case-level database supporting DoD policy oversight and Congressional reporting, providing capabilities for data entry, case management, workflow automation, and enterprise system integration.

In this role, you will design, develop, and maintain application components and system integrations that connect the core platform with internal DoD systems and external Service-level interfaces. Your work will support seamless data exchange across the DoD enterprise, enabling more than 6,500 users-including coordinators, advocates, and legal, investigative, and command personnel-to access reliable and integrated data.

Working within an Agile development environment, you will participate in sprint cycles to deliver new functionality, resolve defects, and support modernization initiatives such as cloud migration, API development, and user interface enhancements. The ideal candidate will have experience with Java, Oracle databases, and web technologies, along with a strong understanding of enterprise integration and secure coding practices aligned with DoD standards.

Key Responsibilities

The Application Engineer will:

• Maintain and enhance existing application components, including 4th generation language (4GL) code such as Oracle Forms, Reports, and JavaScript.
• Develop, test, and maintain application functionality during quarterly Agile sprints, supporting bug fixes, emergency priority requirements, and minor system enhancements.
• Conduct code reviews at key development milestones (50%, 75%, and 90% completion) to ensure code quality and maintainability.
• Apply secure coding best practices, including adherence to OWASP principles and DoD Application Security and Development (ASD) STIG requirements.
• Design, maintain, and automate system interfaces and data exchange processes between the core application and internal or external interfacing systems.
• Support approximately 300 annual data exchanges using Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) and implement modernized data exchange mechanisms such as API-based integrations.
• Develop reusable integration processes to connect with data sources across multiple cloud infrastructures and incorporate them into the enterprise architecture.
• Integrate application functionality with DoD and Service-level systems to support enterprise interoperability.
• Support the migration and deployment of applications to Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) in compliance with the DoD Cloud Computing Security Requirements Guide (SRG).
• Assist with modernizing the existing monolithic application architecture toward micro front end and micro services based solutions.
• Develop cloud-native application components and micro services supporting ongoing system modernization initiatives.
• Contribute to the development of an enterprise system architecture roadmap supporting modernization efforts through 2030 and beyond.
• Implement user interface and user experience improvements as part of application modernization activities.
• Develop and execute unit testing and automated test cases, ensuring functionality meets performance and quality requirements.
• Integrate automated tests into DevSecOps CI/CD pipelines prior to deployment authorization.
• Participate in System Testing, User Acceptance Testing (UAT), interface testing, and regression testing for system releases and updates.
• Perform application security scans using tools such as Fortify and Sona@type, and re-mediate vulnerabilities in accordance with Cyber Hardening Policies.

Skills and Experience

The Application Engineer must have:

• DoW Clearance not Required. Ability to obtain and maintain a Tier 3 (T3) background investigation for Noncritical-Sensitive position; Tier 5 (T5) required for privileged access role.
• Prior experience supporting DMDC or DHRA systems.
• Experience with Java, Oracle databases, SQL, and web application development.
• Knowledge of Oracle Forms, Reports, and other 4GL technologies.
• Experience implementing enterprise application integration patterns and API-based services.
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum development methodologies.
• Experience working with CI/CD pipelines and DevSecOps practices.
• Strong understanding of secure coding practices and OWASP security standards.
• Experience with Apache Tomcat, web services (REST/SOAP), and enterprise integration technologies.
• Familiarity with MicroStrategy or enterprise reporting platforms.
• Experience working in AWS GovCloud or other DoD-authorized cloud environments.
• Knowledge of microservices architectures and containerized application environments.
• Strong troubleshooting, debugging, and problem-solving skills.