Enterprise - Software Engineer - Kubernetes, API's, REST

About the role

We are seeking a Software Engineer focused on AI Integration. You will design, develop, and implement the agentic platform for our proprietary Data Lake tool, JCRSD. This role is primarily Python-based and requires strong container orchestration skills to ensure seamless deployment. You will take industry best practices, open-source capabilities, and large language models (LLMs), and build a secure, scalable framework that allows our platform to seamlessly leverage AI.

You will build Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers, reusable AI skills, strict safety guardrails, and coordinate with disparate internal teams to expose their APIs to our autonomous agents. This position allows for partial telework and requires flexibility to work in a hybrid environment, spending an average of 1-2 days per week at our Columbia, MD office.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop Python-based components for our core agentic platform
• Deploy, manage, and scale applications within Kubernetes (K8s) environments
• Build Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers and a library of reusable "skills" (function calling/tools) that enable AI agents to safely interact with internal databases, microservices, and external APIs
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to help them expose their Java-based APIs to our AI agents
• Implement strict enterprise AI guardrails, ensuring data privacy, sensitive data scrubbing, prompt injection defenses, and output validation to meet stringent security requirements
• Maintain an inquisitive nature, responsiveness, and excellent testing skills (including automated testing pipelines for non-deterministic AI outputs)
• Possess strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to work under pressure with multiple deadlines in a fast-paced, small-business environment
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Must obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance (not required on day one); U.S. Citizenship required
• Five (5) years of experience in Software Engineering, with a strong focus on Python backend development and a Bachelor’s in a related field; or three (3) years relevant experience with a Master’s in a related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and nine (9) years relevant experience
• Comfortable working on a Linux command line
• Must be able to work in a hybrid environment

Skills

• Kubernetes Proficiency: Demonstrated, hands-on experience deploying and managing containerized workloads in Kubernetes (K8s)
• Applied AI Experience: Hands-on experience integrating commercial LLM APIs (e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic) or open-source models into production backend applications
• AI Concepts: Demonstrated understanding of modern applied AI concepts such as prompt engineering, agents, function-calling/tool-use, and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)
• Experience in designing enterprise APIs, RESTful web services, and Microservices architecture
• Experience with configuration management tools (e.g., Git, CI/CD pipelines, Docker)

Desired Skills

• Current Secret or Top Secret clearances
• Java Interoperability: Familiarity with Java frameworks (e.g., Spring) or Java-based software capabilities to assist disparate teams in connecting their components to the agent platform
• Familiarity with Python-based AI integration frameworks (LangChain, LlamaIndex, CrewAI, AutoGen)
• Experience with Vector Databases, semantic caching, and AI observability tools
• Experience with NiFi, Kafka, and cloud-based infrastructure (AWS, Azure)
• Experience in SQL databases (e.g., Postgres, MySQL), distributed databases, or NoSQL databases
• Prior experience or familiarity with Big Data Platforms or Data Lake architectures
• DoD 8140 / 8570 IAT Level II compliance certifications

Benefits

• Wealth Benefits:
  • Above Market Hourly Pay
  • 11% Roth or Traditional 401k with Immediate Vesting and Deposit
  • Spot Bonuses for Assisting with Business Development and Company Growth
  • Professional Development Bonuses for Certificates and Degrees
• Health Benefits:
  • Company subsidized Medical Coverage
  • 100% Company Paid Vision and Dental Coverage
  • 100% Company Paid Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, and Group Life Insurance
  • Monthly Wellness Reimbursement
• Happiness Benefits:
  • Paid Time Off with Flexible Work Schedules and Birthday Off
  • Amazon Prime Membership and Monthly Internet Reimbursement
  • Technology and Productivity Allowance for Equipment and Supplies
  • Morale Building and Company Events to Celebrate our Successes and Build our Community
  • Onboarding and Annual Swag
  • Company Paid Professional Development and Training

Pay

The expected salary range for this position is $150,000 - $275,000, depending on education and years of experience.