Software Engineer (Hybrid) - 29300

About the role

Enlighten is a cutting-edge technology company dedicated to developing innovative software solutions for our clients. We are seeking a talented and experienced Software Engineer to join our team to help build foundational AI integration frameworks and agentic platforms.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop Python-based components for our core agentic platform.
• 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).
• Possess strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to work under pressure with multiple deadlines in a fast-paced, small-business environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance; U.S. Citizenship required. Candidates with current Secret or Top Secret clearance are also considered.
• At least 5 years of experience in Software Engineering, with a strong focus on Python backend development and a Bachelor’s in a related field; 3 years relevant experience with a Master’s in a related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 9 years relevant experience.
• 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.
• Must be able to work in a hybrid environment, spending an average of 1–2 days per week at our Columbia, MD office.

Preferred Requirements

• Active Secret or Top Secret clearances.
• Java Interoperability: 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 as directed by the customer.

Benefits

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

Pay

Anticipated Salary Range: $115,199.00 – $145,000.00. The salary range is a good faith estimate based on the role’s location, expectations, and responsibilities. Offers consider role function, internal equity, education, training, work experience, certifications, and key skills. Additional non-recurrent compensation may apply and will be discussed during the interview process.