Software Engineer (AI Focus)
About the role
We are looking for a Software Engineer (AI Focus) with strong front-end skills and a passion for building transformative user experiences powered by AI. You will play a critical role in developing intuitive and powerful interfaces that enable warfighters and analysts to harness the power of large language models (LLMs) in operational environments.
Responsibilities
- Lead full-stack feature development from ideation to production in close coordination with product managers, AI researchers, and mission stakeholders
- Conduct user research and workflow analysis to identify inefficiencies and translate business requirements into AI-enabled technical solutions
- Build modern front-end applications using ReactJS, Tailwind, and component libraries integrated with LLM-based services (Claude, OpenAI, open-source models)
- Design and build backend APIs and microservices for scalable deployment and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG)
- Work with ML engineers to shape model prompts, feedback loops, and in-app integration based on user workflow requirements
- Support disconnected/air-gapped deployment patterns and ensure secure, testable, and maintainable code
- Collaborate with end users, developers, designers, and DevSecOps engineers to continuously improve AI-enabled workflow solutions
Requirements
- 3+ years of experience as a full stack engineer building modern web applications
- Strong proficiency in ReactJS and JavaScript/TypeScript ecosystem
- Experience building and consuming RESTful or GraphQL APIs
- Understanding of AI/ML concepts and experience integrating AI services into applications
- Strong communication skills with ability to conduct user interviews and translate business requirements into technical solutions
- A user-centered mindset with attention to accessibility, responsiveness, and clean design
- Familiarity with state management, routing, component-driven development
- Understanding of secure coding practices in sensitive or regulated environments
- Comfort working in fast-paced, iterative development cycles and on cross-functional teams
Qualifications
- Experience working with AI/ML frameworks and libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Hugging Face, OpenAI APIs)
- Knowledge of prompt engineering and LLM integration patterns
- Experience with Python for AI/ML workflows and data processing
- Experience with workflow analysis and process optimization methodologies
- Familiarity with automation tools and workflow orchestration platforms
- Experience with cloud-native AI services (AWS Bedrock, Azure OpenAI, Google AI Platform)
- Ability to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in existing workflows through user research and data analysis
- Understanding of database design and optimization for AI-enabled applications
- Obtain Security+ certification within the first 90 days of employment with Raft
Skills
- Experience with RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) architectures
- Experience with vector databases and semantic search technologies
- Experience with containerization and cloud-native deployment patterns
- Experience with model fine-tuning and prompt optimization techniques
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines and collaborative development practices
Benefits
- Highly competitive salary
- Full coverage of healthcare, dental, and vision
- 401(k) and company match
- Take as you need PTO + 11 paid holidays
- Education & training benefits
- Generous referral bonuses
- And more!
Pay
$130,000 - $160,000
Schedule
Onsite in Honolulu, may require up to 25% travel to both CONUS and OCONUS locations (Must possess a valid, active US passport with at least six months validity beyond intended period of employment to facilitate international travel and meet security requirements for government contracts.)
Company Information
Raft (https://TeamRaft.com) is a customer-obsessed non-traditional small business with a purposeful focus on Distributed Data Systems, Platforms at Scale, and Complex Application Development, with headquarters in McLean, VA. Our range of clients includes innovative federal and public agencies leveraging design thinking, cutting-edge tech stack, and cloud-native ecosystem. We build digital solutions that impact the lives of millions of Americans.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.