Information Technology Jobs in Annandale Virginia

• Leading the Naval network warfare missions in developing tactics and procedures to realize tactical, strategic and business advantages afloat and ashore
• Driving interoperability with joint, allied and coalition partners
• Building professional excellence through education, training and certification and milestone qualifications
• Optimizing organizational effectiveness through cutting-edge technologies, knowledge management techniques and a culture of innovation
• Helping to develop and deploy information systems, command and control and space systems
• Serving as a key part of the Information Dominance Corps in its mission to gain a deep understanding of the inner workings of adversaries
• Overseeing the work of Information Systems Technicians - Enlisted Sailors (no degree required) who serve as specialists in information technology

• Serving as part of Battle Group staffs on ships at sea
• Working in C4I/Space/Surveillance on shore tours
• Serving on major Navy and joint staffs
• Serving in command of key communication and surveillance facilities around the globe

• Pursuing opportunities at institutions such as Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) or Navy War College (NWC)
• Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges

Job Title: Agile Project Manager

Position Summary

The Agile Project Manager is responsible for leading cross-functional teams in the delivery of technology solutions to our client's developer community that ultimately enhance business value to stakeholders. The Agile Project Manager collaborates closely with stakeholders, facilitates Agile events, removes impediments and drives continuous improvement. The ideal candidate is experienced in managing technical projects, Agile methodologies and process optimization, with a continuous improvement mindset and the ability to lead high-performing teams.

Key Responsibilities

The responsibilities include but are not limited to the following, as directed:

• Manage multiple teams supporting both project work and ongoing operational activities
• Remove team impediments, foster strong collaboration and support continuous improvement initiatives
• Track and report progress, risks, dependencies and Agile flow metrics to stakeholders
• Organize team artifacts and maintain project documentation including tasks and boards (Jira), acceptance criteria and project wiki pages (Confluence)
• Elicit, analyze, and document business requirements through stakeholder interviews, workshops, and process reviews.
• Evaluate potential solutions, conduct impact assessments, and recommend approaches that best meet business needs.

Desired Skills and Experience / Required Qualifications

• 8-10 years of Agile Project Management experience for technical projects
• Hands-on experience leading Agile technical projects and initiatives
• Strong understanding of Agile frameworks (Agile training or certification – a plus)
• Proficiency with Jira, confluence and collaboration tools such as MS Teams
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and drive work to completion
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and facilitation skills with the ability to guide teams through complex technical discussions
• Coordinate cross-functional teams, fostering effective communication and risk mitigation
• General understanding of DevSecOps (DSO) capabilities and the tools that support DSO capabilities

Pyramid Systems is looking for a Infotmation Security Officer who is passionate about bringing top secerity to Federal clients .

Key Skills:

• 5+ years of experience in the ISSO field, focusing on supporting the security activities associated with evaluating, implementing, managing security practices, and continued operations of new and existing technologies
• Understanding of CI/CD pipeline and enterprise DevSecOps implementation is preferred
• Experience with Amazon Web Services (AWS) Architecture
• Experience with Continuous Monitoring and reporting monthly status reports
• Experience analyzing and reporting cyber security vulnerability scans
• Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning experience a bonus

• Communicate regularly with DHS customers and internal engineering teams to lead required RMF process/steps to assess and authorize a system obtaining and maintaining a full ATO (Authority to operate).
• Perform monthly continuous monitoring reporting to include analysis of scans, logs, accounts, etc.
• Assist the customer with authorizing assessment and authorization (A&A) documentation.
• Support writing and reviewing of Risk Management Framework (RMF) documentation packages to support risk assessments.
• Design and execute the security testing plan of all requirements and analysis required to complete a RMF package document for submittal and approval.
• Knowledge of web, databases, containers, and application security scanning and reporting for RMF processes, procedures, and governance.
• Knowledge of Cybersecurity, Network, Systems, and Software Engineering best practices
• Experience with CSAM, STIGs, and SRGs.
• Be proficient with vulnerability scanning tools and frameworks to evaluate the security posture of a system.
• Assist the customer in preparing training and table top exercises for contingency planning, incident response and disaster recovery.
• Have technical understanding of cloud technologies (i.e., AWS, microservices, zero trust, data streaming, data pipelines, containers, etc.) and their implementation within the customer's network environments.
• Shall complete ISSO USCIS provided training as required

• 5+ years of experience in the ISSO field, focusing on supporting the security activities associated with evaluating, implementing, managing security practices, and continued operations of new and existing technologies
• Experience with requirements analysis, architect, design, and documentation development of cybersecurity and information security solutions
• Experience leading RMF for IATT/ATO activities involving custom on-prem and cloud solutions is a bonus.
• Experience performing vulnerability risk analysis on the deficiencies found during RMF control testing.
• Experience with cybersecurity tools and scanners used to evaluate the security posture of the system/enclave (preferred tool experience: Palo Alto Prisma Cloud, BurpSuite, Checkmarx, NexusIQ, SonarQube)
• Experience with Jira, Confluence, Splunk
• Expertise in Agile and DevSecOps approaches
• Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning experience a bonus
• MUST BE US CITIZEN and OBTAIN A PUBLIC TRUST

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related filed required

We are looking for a Cloud Computing Specialist (CCS) to join our team in support of a DoD customer in Alexandria, VA. The CCS will serve as an Information Assurance and Cloud Computing SME with regards to Certification and Accreditation (C&A) and a broad coverage of the application of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Risk Management Framework (RMF) standards and guidance as outlined in the NIST Special Publication(s) (SP) 800-53 and 800-37 (current versions).

Responsibilities Include:

• 
  
• Provide full lifecycle Information Assurance (IA) support for systems maintaining current Authority to Operate (ATO) under RMF via eMASS.
  
• Update, maintain, and validate RMF artifacts, IA documentation, scorecards, and accreditation packages.
  
• Develop, manage, and execute POA&M, MOUs/MOAs, risk acceptance documentation, and other compliance artifacts.
  
• Ensure continuous compliance with DoD/DLA RMF requirements supporting ATO and Authority to Connect (ATC).
  
• Support RMF Assessment & Authorization (A&A) processes and validate eMASS inputs.
  
• Conduct annual risk assessments and IA control validations.
  
• Review engineering projects and change requests to ensure implementation of required IA controls and policies.
  
• Support connection approval processes and manage required documentation.
  
• Identify security risks and enhancements; develop and track mitigation strategies.
  
• Evaluate and recommend security components and configurations (e.g., firewalls, IDS/IPS).
  
• Provide IA input to Technical Review Boards (TRB) and Change Control Boards (CCB).
  
• Support DLA CERT, network engineering, and NTS teams on IA compliance and security event response.
  
• Maintain situational awareness of USCYBERCOM alerts/advisories and assess operational impact.
  
• Analyze proposed IT acquisitions for IA, interoperability, architecture, and standards compliance; identify required security configuration guidance.
  
• Support DISN sub-network accreditation to achieve/maintain full ATO and ATC.
  
• Plan and execute IA requirements for technology migrations affecting accredited systems.
  
• Implement and maintain information protection guidance for controlled unclassified and classified information in accordance with DoD/DLA policy.
  

Required Skills, Qualifications and Experience:

• 
  
• Minimum Requirement:
  
  • 
    
  • Five (5) years of relevant C&A experience; Risk Management Framework (RMF) and NIST C&A experience
    
  • DOD IA experience.
    
  
  
  
• Certification Requirements:
  
  • 
    
  • Cloud Computing Security Certification
    
  • Certification meeting DOD 8570.01 IAM III (CISSP, CISM, etc.)
    
  
  
  
• Skills and Experience:
  
  • 
    
  • Experience in assessing IA Controls and conducting C&A reviews for large, complex Information systems.
    
  • Ability to work independently with substantial cloud computing security knowledge.
    
  • Must have the essential skillsets to identify, manage and resolve cloud computing security risk and implement "best practices" as applied within a cloud environment (across all of the different deployment and service models, and derivatives).
    
  • Must be well versed in FedRAMP assessment methodology of security and privacy controls deployed in cloud information systems to include six (6) domain areas. The six domains include: Architectural Concepts & Design Requirements, Cloud Data Security, Cloud Platform & Infrastructure Security, Cloud Application Security, Operations, Legal & Compliance.
    
  
  
  
• Clearance Requirement:
  
  • 
    
  • This position requires a SECRET with a Tier 3 investigation.
    
  
  
  

Compensation: $100,000+

At AGE Solutions, we reward performance, invest in growth, and share success. Our benefits support the whole person, professionally, financially, and personally.

• 
  
• 26 Days Paid Leave: Includes vacation, sick, personal time, and holidays. You choose how to use it.
  
• Performance Bonuses: Performance bonuses are awarded based on individual contributions and company-wide results, aligning recognition with impact.
  
• 401(k) with Match: We match 3% of your contributions with immediate vesting.
  
• Financial Protection: Company-paid life insurance up to $300K and options for additional coverage for you and your dependents.
  
• Health Benefits: Multiple medical plans, dental, vision, FSA and HSA options to fit your needs.
  
• Parental Leave: 15 days of fully paid leave for new parents, because family matters.
  
• Military Differential Pay: We bridge the gap for employees on active duty, so they don't take a financial hit while serving.
  
• Professional Growth: Paid training and certifications, tuition reimbursement, and the tools and tech to get the job done right.
  
• Shared Success: In the event of a company sale, our CEO has committed to returning 80% of net proceeds to employees. This ensures our team shares in the long term value they help create.
  

At AGE, you'll do work that matters, supported by a company that delivers for its people.

We are looking for an Enterprise Architect to join our team in support of a DoD customer in Alexandria, VA. The EA will provide high-level architectural expertise to managers and technical staff; develop architectural products and deliverables for the enterprise and operational business lines; Advise on selection of technological purchases with regards to processing, data storage, data access, networks, systems, and applications development; Advise of feasibility of potential future projects to management.

Responsibilities Include:

• 
  
• Provide actionable recommendations to resolve performance issues, enhance system capabilities, and proactively identify risks within production network equipment.
  
• Lead requirements development efforts by gathering, documenting, reviewing, consolidating, and refining functional and technical requirements in coordination with stakeholders.
  
• Facilitate and lead requirements review sessions and meetings to define networking requirements for assigned projects, including analysis of collected data.
  
• Provide input to the development of Technology Assessment Plans (TAPs)-including scope, objectives, configurations, technical approach, schedules, roles, and independent cost estimates-and produce After Action Reports (AARs) documenting methodologies, results, and recommendations.
  
• Produce formal recommendations and executive briefings outlining findings, strategy, and capability roadmaps, while coordinating overall technology planning and tracking implementation activities.
  
• Analyze industry and Government data on technology changes impacting the DISN and commercial telecommunications sector and provide preliminary design and implementation guidance to support strategic planning and decision-making. Areas include wireless technologies, IPv6 transition (NIPRNet/SIPRNet), NetOps and cyber defense (JTF-GNO), VoIP/DSN, VTC and streaming video, core system refreshes, and emerging standards aligned with DoD mandates.
  
• Provide SME engineering services to design, configure, test, implement, and sustain STIG-compliant network and security architectures, including NAC (802.1x), reverse proxy and load balancing, web filtering, DNS/DHCP/IPAM, VPN, wireless/IDS, VDI support, VoIP/VTC/streaming, Check Point firewalls and MDM, NMS tool suites, MPLS architecture, SATCOM support, and DR/COOP planning; perform Tier IV troubleshooting and produce required technical documentation (ECRs, ITRs, NSOs, AARs, test plans/reports, and as-built diagrams).
  
• Provide Cloud-certified SME engineering support for on-premises to Cloud migrations, coordinating with CSPs (e.g., Azure, AWS, Oracle, Google Cloud, MilCloud2) and facilitating integration with Secure Cloud Computing Architecture (SCCA) BCAP in multi-cloud environments.
  
• Develop and maintain Cloud migration documentation to ensure accurate knowledge management and configuration records.
  
• Engineer, implement, and sustain the Enterprise F5 Application Delivery Controllers (ADCs) supporting DoD DMZ, data center, and Cloud-hosted applications, including Tier 3 support and configuration of GTM (DNS), LTM, and APM modules in compliance with DISA STIGs and industry best practices.
  
• Implement F5 break-and-inspect capabilities to meet DISA Cloud security requirements and coordinate with CSPs and developers to establish Layer 7 health monitoring.
  
• Provide subject matter expertise to operations needed to perform root cause analysis and analysis regarding the effectiveness of the network solutions currently under consideration.
  
• Provide consultation through one-on-one interaction with team members to provide information, insight, and advice, customized for the unique and changing needs of business, including opportunities in growing information technology business. This consulting shall also include briefings to personnel on industry trends.
  
• Addressing ongoing questions about published service deliverables, identifying partnerships and industry networking opportunities, and interpreting forecasts and research to inform the government's business decisions.
  

Required Skills, Qualifications and Experience:

• 
  
• Minimum Requirement:
  
  • 
    
  • Eight years of relevant experience
    
  
  
  
• Certification Requirements:
  
  • 
    
  • DoD Approved 8570 Baseline Certification: Category IAT Level III (CCNP Security, CASP+ CE, CISSP, CISA, GCED, GCIH)
    
  • Computing Environment Certifications:
    
    • 
      
    • Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Enterprise Infrastructure and experience with Firewalls is also required.
      
    • Preferred additional certifications: Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA) or higher-level certification, Check Point Certified Security Expert (CCSE)
      
    
    
    
  
  
  
• Clearance Requirement:
  
  • 
    
  • This position requires a SECRET with a Tier 5 investigation
    
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• 
  
• Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA) or higher-level certification, Check Point Certified Security Expert (CCSE)
  

Compensation: $150,000+

At AGE Solutions, we reward performance, invest in growth, and share success. Our benefits support the whole person, professionally, financially, and personally.

• 
  
• 26 Days Paid Leave: Includes vacation, sick, personal time, and holidays. You choose how to use it.
  
• Performance Bonuses: Performance bonuses are awarded based on individual contributions and company-wide results, aligning recognition with impact.
  
• 401(k) with Match: We match 3% of your contributions with immediate vesting.
  
• Financial Protection: Company-paid life insurance up to $300K and options for additional coverage for you and your dependents.
  
• Health Benefits: Multiple medical plans, dental, vision, FSA and HSA options to fit your needs.
  
• Parental Leave: 15 days of fully paid leave for new parents, because family matters.
  
• Military Differential Pay: We bridge the gap for employees on active duty, so they don't take a financial hit while serving.
  
• Professional Growth: Paid training and certifications, tuition reimbursement, and the tools and tech to get the job done right.
  
• Shared Success: In the event of a company sale, our CEO has committed to returning 80% of net proceeds to employees. This ensures our team shares in the long term value they help create.
  

At AGE, you'll do work that matters, supported by a company that delivers for its people.

AGE Solutions is seeking a Telecommunications Network Engineer to provide network engineering, administration, troubleshooting, and refresh support for DoD local area networks.

Responsibilities Include:

• 
  
• Analyzes and develops telecommunications networks supporting a wide range of capabilities, including voice, data, video, and/or wireless services.
  
• Develops designs and plans for installation and maintenance of telecommunications systems from project inception to conclusion.
  
• Analyzes the problem and the characteristics of the information to be transported.
  
• Defines the problem and develops system requirements and network specifications.
  
• Closely coordinates with other information system professionals to ensure proper implementation of network services.
  
• In conjunction with functional users, develops alternative solutions and backup plans.
  

Required Skills, Qualifications, and Experience:

• 
  
• Experience:
  
  • 
    
  • 2+ years of progressive information technology experience.
    
  • Experience in telecommunications network design and management.
    
  • Must demonstrate the ability to work independently, or under only general direction, on requirements that are moderately complex to analyze, plan, program, and implement.
    
  • Experience in analysis and design of voice networks, LAN data networks, wireless networks, and/or network management systems to support voice and data services.
    
  
  
  
• Certifications:
  
  • 
    
  • DoD IAT II Certification or higher (Ex: Security+ CE)
    
  • CCNA or equivalent certification
    
  
  
  
• Clearance:
  
  • 
    
  • DoD Secret clearance with a completed and adjudicated IT-I qualifying investigation.
    
  
  
  
• Location:
  
  • 
    
  • This is a remote role within the United States, requiring up to 50% travel both CONUS AND OCONUS. Candidates must have a valid US Passport, or the ability to obtain one quickly.
    
  
  
  

Work Environment and Physical Demand:

• 
  
• Must be able to lift 30-40 pounds overhead.
  
• Must be able to work in office, warehouse, and telecommunications closet environments.
  
• Must be able to work for extended periods of time at a computer.
  

Compensation: $50,000+

At AGE Solutions, we reward performance, invest in growth, and share success. Our benefits support the whole person, professionally, financially, and personally.

• 
  
• 26 Days Paid Leave: Includes vacation, sick, personal time, and holidays. You choose how to use it.
  
• Performance Bonuses: Performance bonuses are awarded based on individual contributions and company-wide results, aligning recognition with impact.
  
• 401(k) with Match: We match 3% of your contributions with immediate vesting.
  
• Financial Protection: Company-paid life insurance up to $300K and options for additional coverage for you and your dependents.
  
• Health Benefits: Multiple medical plans, dental, vision, FSA and HSA options to fit your needs.
  
• Parental Leave: 15 days of fully paid leave for new parents, because family matters.
  
• Military Differential Pay: We bridge the gap for employees on active duty, so they don't take a financial hit while serving.
  
• Professional Growth: Paid training and certifications, tuition reimbursement, and the tools and tech to get the job done right.
  
• Shared Success: In the event of a company sale, our CEO has committed to returning 80% of net proceeds to employees. This ensures our team shares in the long term value they help create.
  

At AGE, you'll do work that matters, supported by a company that delivers for its people.

Job Title: Senior Capture Manager - CMS Programs

Location: Tysons Corner, VA (Hybrid – 3 days in office)

Role Overview:

Sky Solutions is seeking a Senior Capture Manager focused on CMS to lead end-to-end capture efforts for strategic CMS opportunities. This role will drive pursuits typically in the $10M–$50M range, with visibility into larger enterprise modernization programs.

The ideal candidate brings deep CMS experience, understands CMS buying behaviour and operating divisions, and can shape competitive opportunities early in the lifecycle. This role will be instrumental in expanding Sky's CMS footprint and strengthening our position as a prime contractor within federal healthcare modernization initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Capture Strategy & Execution

• Lead the full capture lifecycle for CMS opportunities, from early market shaping through proposal hand-off.
• Develop and execute win strategies aligned with CMS modernization priorities (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, Program Integrity, Digital Services, Data Modernization).
• Drive disciplined capture governance, including gate reviews, competitive analysis, SWOTs, and Black Hat sessions.
• Maintain realistic pWIN assessments and execute mitigation strategies to improve win probability.

CMS Market Engagement:

• Engage CMS stakeholders and operating divisions (e.g., CPI, CCSQ, CMCS, Client, Innovation Center) to understand mission needs and shape upcoming procurements.
• Build and maintain relationships with Program Executives, CORs, Contracting Officers, and industry partners.
• Monitor CMS strategic initiatives, procurement forecasts, and policy shifts to identify growth opportunities.

Teaming & Competitive Positioning:

• Develop strategic teaming approaches (prime and subcontractor positioning).
• Identify and negotiate partnerships aligned to opportunity requirements.
• Leverage contract vehicle strategies (GWACs, BPAs, IDIQs, CMS-specific vehicles) to optimize competitive advantage.

Proposal & Solution Alignment:

• Collaborate with solution architects, pricing, proposal teams, and delivery leadership to shape compelling, compliant, and differentiated proposals.
• Ensure clear articulation of win themes and discriminators.
• Participate in and support color team reviews.

Pipeline & Growth Contribution:

• Support pipeline development and forecasting for CMS portfolio.
• Provide regular updates to leadership on strategy, risks, and growth projections.
• Contribute to strengthening Sky's CMS growth methodology and repeatable capture practices.

Required Qualifications:

• 7–10+ years of federal capture or business development experience with a strong focus on CMS.
• Demonstrated success capturing and winning federal contracts in the $10M+ range (experience supporting $20M+ pursuits preferred).
• Deep understanding of CMS procurement processes, contract vehicles, and operating divisions.
• Strong knowledge of federal acquisition lifecycle, GWACs, BPAs, and IDIQ structures.
• Proven ability to shape opportunities pre-RFP and drive disciplined capture execution.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to engage CMS program and contracting leadership.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent pursuits in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting CMS modernization initiatives in Digital Transformation, AI/ML, Cloud, Data Analytics, Claims Processing, or Program Integrity.
• Familiarity with CMS vehicles such as SPARC, CIO-SP4, Polaris, STARS III, or other HHS-aligned contract vehicles.
• Experience within small-to-mid-tier federal contractors scaling growth.
• APMP or similar capture certification.

Educational Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business, Information Technology, Healthcare Administration, or related field.
• Advanced degree preferred.

What Success Looks Like:

• Strengthened CMS pipeline with qualified, strategically aligned pursuits.
• Increased capture discipline and measurable improvement in win rate.
• Securing one or more strategic CMS prime awards within 12–18 months.
• Elevated visibility and positioning of Sky Solutions within CMS modernization initiatives.

Currently seeking multiple Full Stack Developers in support of the of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Engineering Support for Identity Services (ESIS), this individual will support Agile Application Development technologies and capabilities in the areas of software development, systems engineering, integration, and test of software applications and infrastructure. Will be skilled with front-end, back-end, and database development. Design and implement full stack cloud solutions to include IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. Design and deploy computing infrastructure, physical or virtual machines and other resources like virtual-machine disk image library, block and file-based storage, firewalls, load balancers, IP addresses, virtual local area networks. Implement cloud-based platform services for AWS. Implement cloud-based software as service for AWS. Perform DevOps functions.

Key Skills:

• 10+ years of experience with full stack engineering with proficiency in database development/integration as well as server and client application development/integration
• Software developing experience using Python and Java Spring framework
• Experience with other software technologies such as Web Services (SOAP/REST), React/Angular, VS Code, SQL, Gradle, and/or Git
• AWS experience required with experience deploying enterprise applications in AWS
• Experience with CI/CD environment tools such as Docker, Jenkins, Ansible, Kubernetes

• Software development with Python, Java, React, and various scripting languages
• Design data models and web APIs and creation of software tasks from system requirements
• Perform requirements analysis, design, development, unit, and integration testing of software, troubleshooting and debugging of the system
• Immediate responsibilities will include enhancing and maintaining the existing system as well as design, development, and documentation of new features
• Create Git Releases, pull request and code reviews
• Query logs utilizing Splunk and will monitor dashboarding utilizing New Relic
• Usage of Atlassian Tools for day to day tasks within the Scrum process
• Implement web services, data persistence access features and external interfaces
• Partner closely with front-end and database engineers to ensure features are developed holistically
• Follow Agile software development methodology and team architecture standards.
• Will need to be able to read Architecture Diagrams
• Perform test service to improve code coverage, mocking services, test driven development and unit testing
• Will modify Helm Charts, Jenkinsfiles, and Dockerfiles

• MUST BE US CITIZEN
• Bachelor's degree required
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance
• 10+ years expereince in Software Engineering
• Must have experience in Python and Java Spring Framework (Boot, Batch, Data, Security)
• Must have experience with other software technologies such as Web Services (SOAP/REST), React/Angular, VS Code, SQL, Gradle, and/or Git
• Experience with design, development, enhancement, troubleshooting and debugging of web applications
• Must have experience in AWS cloud environment and with CI/CD tools (ie. Docker, Jenkins, Kubernetes) for deployment processes, monitoring production environments, and modifying docker/Jenkins files and helm charts
• Experience with scripting languages (Python, Bash, Powershell, Perl) is not required but nice to have
• Understanding of the concept of branching and utilizing technological tools such as Git, VS Code, and/or Rancher to perform
• Experience with creating Git releases, creating pull requests, and reviewing code
• Experience monitoring dashboards utilizing New Relic
• Experience with Splunk to query logs
• Experience with Junit testing preferred
• Experience creating release instructions utilizing JIRA
• Experience developing and integrating complex software systems through the full SDLC
• Experience with Agile Scrum
• Must have strong written and verbal communication skills