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Jobs · Information Technology · Maryland

Senior Software Engineer (Hybrid) - 28172

Enlighten · Columbia, MD · 1 wk ago
Information Technology$240k/yrFull-time

About the role

Enlighten, a leader in big data solution development and deployment, is seeking a talented and experienced Software Engineer to join our team. This role focuses on building foundational AI integration frameworks, leveraging industry best practices, open-source capabilities, and large language models (LLMs).

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop foundational AI frameworks, including internal APIs, middleware, and routing layers that allow other systems to securely utilize AI capabilities.
  • Build Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers and a library of reusable 'skills' (function calling/tools) that enable AI models to safely interact with our internal databases, microservices, and external APIs.
  • Implement strict enterprise AI guardrails, ensuring data privacy, sensitive data scrubbing, prompt injection defenses, and output validation to meet stringent security requirements.
  • Have an inquisitive nature, responsiveness, and excellent testing skills (including an interest in automated testing pipelines for non-deterministic AI outputs).
  • Work in a fast-paced, small business environment with our talented team. Seamlessly transition between hands-on execution and team guidance, treating mentorship and team leadership as inherent components of senior-level impact.

Requirements

  • Must have a strong working knowledge and experience developing Java based software capabilities.
  • Must have at least 15 years of experience in Software Engineering, Modern Java Frameworks and Libraries (e.g., Spring, Guava) with a Bachelor's degree in related field; 13 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 19 years relevant experience.
  • Applied AI Experience: Hands-on experience or a strong aptitude for integrating commercial LLM APIs (e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic) or open-source models into backend applications.
  • Demonstrated understanding of modern applied AI concepts such as prompt engineering, function-calling/tool-use, and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG).
  • Demonstrated experience serving as a tech lead, mentor, or manager for engineering teams.
  • Experience in designing enterprise APIs.
  • Experience in RESTful web services.
  • Experience in Microservices architecture.
  • Experience in Object Oriented Programming (OOP) paradigms.
  • Experience with the agile software lifecycle.
  • Experience with configuration management tools (e.g. Git, Nexus, Maven).
  • Comfortable working on a linux command line.
  • Has a proven ability to learn quickly and works well both independently as well as in a team setting.
  • Problem solving skills and ability to review information and compile data appropriately as needed.
  • Must be able to work in a hybrid environment, spending an average of 1-2 days per week at our Columbia, MD office. Flexibility is essential to adapt to schedule changes as needed.

Qualifications

  • Security Clearance - A current U.S. Government Security clearance is not required on day 1, but will be processed for one; U.S. citizenship required. Can also consider candidates with current Secret or TS level clearance.

Skills

  • Familiarity with Java-based AI integration frameworks (e.g., Spring AI, LangChain4j) or Python equivalents (LangChain, LlamaIndex).
  • Experience with Vector Databases, semantic caching, and AI observability tools.
  • Experience with NiFi, Kafka, AWS Infrastructure, and K8's.
  • Experience in cloud based technologies (AWS, Azure).
  • Experience in SQL databases (e.g., Postgres, MySQL), distributed databases, NoSQL databases.
  • Scripting experience (particularly Python, given its prominence in the AI ecosystem) is a huge plus.
  • Prior experience or familiarity with our Big Data Platform is a plus.
  • Understanding of agile software development methodologies and use of standard software development tool suites (e.g., JIRA, Confluence, Youtrack, Github, etc.).
  • DoD 8140 / 8570 IAT Level II compliance certifications may be required in this position as directed by the customer.

Benefits

  • 100% paid employee premium for healthcare, vision and dental plans.
  • 10% 401k benefit.
  • Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays.
  • Education/training allowances.

Pay

Anticipated Salary Range: $165,033.00 - $240,000.00. The salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, Enlighten takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function, internal equity and a candidate's education or training, work experience, certifications and key skills. Occasionally positions/roles may include additional non-recurrent compensation and will be addressed by the recruiter during the interview process.

Schedule

Flexibility is essential to adapt to schedule changes as needed. Must be able to work in a hybrid environment, spending an average of 1-2 days per week at our Columbia, MD office.

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