AI Software Developer (Mid-level) - TS/SCI with Polygraph

About the role

We are seeking a mid-level AI Software Developer to build and integrate AI-enabled features into mission applications operating on classified networks. Working under the direction of the Senior AI Engineer, you will implement machine learning and large language model capabilities within established architectural patterns and governance guardrails, alongside strong general software engineering work. This role emphasizes practical, production-quality delivery in an environment where AI systems must run locally — without external API access — and where security, auditability, and data handling discipline are part of everyday engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain software applications incorporating AI/ML capabilities within air-gapped and accredited government cloud environments
• Implement LLM-backed features (retrieval-augmented generation, embeddings, summarization, classification) using locally hosted models and program-approved patterns
• Build and maintain data pipelines supporting AI-driven features, with correct classification handling and data hygiene
• Integrate AI capabilities with existing program systems and workflows via REST APIs and structured data formats
• Write clean, testable, well-documented code; participate in code reviews and follow team engineering standards
• Implement required logging, audit, and evaluation instrumentation per the program's AI rules of engagement
• Support deployment, monitoring, and iterative improvement of AI-enabled systems, including model updates transferred into the environment
• Collaborate with program staff and stakeholders to refine requirements into working software

Required Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI (poly required or in process)
• 3+ years of professional software development experience (or 5+ without a degree)
• Strong Python proficiency and working knowledge of at least one additional language (JavaScript/TypeScript, Java, or similar)
• Hands-on experience with AI/ML concepts in real projects: model inference, embeddings, vector search, or prompt engineering
• Experience with REST APIs, JSON, SQL, and version control (Git)
• Comfort working in restricted or disconnected development environments, or demonstrated ability to adapt to them
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills; ability to work on-site in a SCIF full time

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience running or integrating locally hosted LLMs (Llama, Mistral, Hugging Face transformers, vLLM, Ollama, or similar) rather than solely commercial APIs
• Familiarity with PyTorch or similar ML frameworks
• Experience with Docker and CI/CD pipelines, especially in offline or artifact-mirrored setups
• Exposure to government cloud (Azure Government, AWS GovCloud) or IC/DoD program environments
• Understanding of data security, classification handling, and responsible AI practices
• Prior NRO or IC program experience

Pay

The likely salary range for this position is $142,792 - $189,750. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.

Schedule

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40. Travel Required: None. Telecommuting Options: Onsite. Work Location: USA VA Chantilly.

Benefits

• Medical plan options, some with Health Savings Accounts
• Dental plan options
• Vision plan
• 401(k) plan with ability to contribute pre and post-tax dollars up to IRS annual limits and receive a company match
• Full flex work weeks where possible
• Paid time off plans including vacation, sick and personal time, holidays, paid parental, military, bereavement and jury duty leave
• Short and long-term disability benefits
• Life, accidental death and dismemberment, personal accident, critical illness and business travel and accident insurance