Junior AI Software Engineer

About the role

Dark Wolf constructs and deploys data management and analytics solutions for the defense and intelligence communities. We’re proud to boast a world-class engineering team that thrives on rolling up their sleeves to solve your mission’s biggest challenges. Dark Wolf is seeking a Junior / Entry-Level AI Software Engineer to support the construction, testing, and deployment of artificial intelligence and machine learning pipelines in secure, high-assurance environments. In this role, you will work alongside senior technical leads to maintain data processing workflows, implement foundational software code, and assist in containerizing software components. Location: Chantilly/Herndon, VA.

Responsibilities

• Assist with building and maintaining scalable ML data ingestion pipelines.
• Support code development and scripting using Python and Bash.
• Containerize application modules using Docker for deployment.
• Perform regular unit testing and execute automated security scanning tools to ensure code health and compliance.
• Participate in daily Agile activities, code reviews, and backlog refinement sessions.

Required Qualifications

Clearance: Must be a US Citizen holding an active TS/SCI security clearance with an active Full-Scope Polygraph.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related technical field (Master’s degree preferred).

Experience: 0-4+ years of software engineering experience.

Technical Competencies:

• AI Frameworks: Basic familiarity with PyTorch or TensorFlow.
• AI Models: Basic understanding of model evaluation techniques and foundational prompt engineering.
• Machine Learning: Core understanding of supervised/unsupervised learning concepts and feature engineering.
• Programming & Scripting: Practical competency in Python and fundamental scripting tools.
• Containerization: Experience building and running basic Docker images.
• Agile Frameworks: Working knowledge of Agile, Scrum, or Kanban concepts.
• Multi-Cloud Architecture: Basic familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure.
• Security Scanning Tooling: Hands-on exposure to static code analysis and security scanning tools (e.g., SonarQube).

Desired Qualifications

• Experience writing automated unit tests and maintaining code repositories.
• Cloud or technical entry certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner).

Pay

Target Salary Range: $90,000.00 – $130,000.00 (Commensurate with specialized expertise and technical skillset).