Software Engineer (Hybrid) - 28021

About the role

Enlighten is a cutting-edge technology company dedicated to developing innovative software solutions for clients. We are currently seeking a talented and experienced Software Engineer to join our team.

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 closely with other talented engineers to create secure, enterprise-grade AI software solutions.

Requirements

• Must have a strong working knowledge and experience developing Java based software capabilities.
• Must have 5+ years of experience in Software Engineering, Modern Java Frameworks and Libraries (e.g., Spring, Guava).
• Must have a Bachelor's degree in related field or 3 years relevant experience with a Master's degree in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 9 years relevant experience.
• Must have hands-on experience or a strong aptitude for integrating commercial LLM APIs (e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic) or open-source models into backend applications.
• Must have demonstrated understanding of modern applied AI concepts such as prompt engineering, function-calling/tool-use, and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG).
• Must have experience in designing enterprise APIs.
• Must have experience in RESTful web services.
• Must have experience in Microservices architecture.
• Must have experience in Object Oriented Programming (OOP) paradigms.
• Must have experience with the agile software lifecycle.
• Must have experience with configuration management tools (e.g. Git, Nexus, Maven).
• Must be comfortable working on a Linux command line.
• Must have a proven ability to learn quickly and work well both independently and in a team setting.
• Must have problem-solving skills and the 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.

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.
• Minimum Qualifications: Bachelors in related field; OR 3 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; OR High School Diploma or equivalent and 9 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).
• 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.
• Proven ability to learn quickly and work well both independently and in a team setting.
• Problem solving skills and ability to review information and compile data appropriately as needed.
• Flexibility to work in a hybrid environment, spending an average of 1-2 days per week at our Columbia, MD office.

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.).

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: $115,199.00 - $155,000.00. 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.