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

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 centers on Python-based components and requires strong container orchestration skills to ensure seamless deployment. You will take industry best practices, open-source capabilities, and large language models (LLMs) to 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 internal teams to expose their APIs to our autonomous agents. This position allows for partial telework and requires U.S. citizenship to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance (not required on day one).

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
• Seamlessly transition between hands-on execution and team guidance, treating mentorship and team leadership as inherent components of senior-level impact
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Nine plus (9+) years experience in Software Engineering with a strong focus on Python backend development and a Bachelors in a related field; seven (7) years relevant experience with Masters in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and thirteen (13) years relevant experience
• Must be able to work in a hybrid environment, spending an average of 1-2 days per week at our Columbia, MD office

Skills

Required

• 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)
• Comfortable working on a Linux command line
• Demonstrated experience serving as a tech lead, mentor, or manager for engineering teams

Desired

• Active Secret or Top Secret clearances
• 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

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.