Senior Software Engineer (Hybrid) - 29300

About the role

We are seeking a talented and experienced Software Engineer to join our team and help build foundational AI integration frameworks and agentic platforms. This role focuses on Python-based components and requires strong container orchestration skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement the agentic platform for our proprietary Data Lake tool, JCRSD.
• Deploy, manage, and scale applications within Kubernetes (K8s) environments efficiently.
• 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).
• Work under pressure with multiple deadlines in a fast-paced, small-business environment.

Requirements

• Security Clearance - Must obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance, but not required on day one; U.S. Citizenship required. Can also consider candidates with current Secret or TS level clearance.
• At least 5 years of experience in Software Engineering, with a strong focus on Python backend development and a Bachelors in related field; 3 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 9 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. Flexibility is essential to adapt to schedule changes as needed.

Qualifications

• 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.

Skills

• Current Clearances: Active Secret or Top Secret clearances are a strong plus.
• Java Interoperability (Plus): 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 may be required in this position as directed by the customer.

Benefits

• Generous PTO plan of up to 200 hours annually.
• Choice of Medical Plan Options, some with Health Savings Account (HSA) Vision and Dental Life and AD&D Benefits.
• Short and Long-Term Disability Hospital Indemnity, Accident, and Critical Illness Insurances.
• Optional Identity Theft and Legal Protection Services.
• Complimentary branded clothing orders annually.
• Various contract and work locations throughout Maryland, Virginia, Colorado, Texas, Utah, Alaska, Hawaii and OCONUS.
• Variety of team-building events throughout the year such as: monthly lunches, summer company picnic, and an annual holiday party.

Pay

$52.46 - $139.92 an hour

Schedule

Hybrid work environment with an average of 1-2 days per week at our Columbia, MD office.