Software Engineer (Req #: 29301) with Security Clearance

Anticipated Salary Range: $137,510.00 - $195,000.00. Essential Job Responsibilities Design and develop Python-based components for our core agentic platform. Deploy, manage, and scale applications within Kubernetes (K8s) environments efficiently right out of the gate. 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.

Seamlessly transition between hands-on execution and team guidance, treating mentorship and team leadership as inherent components of senior-level impact. Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Clearance Requirement: Must obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance, but not required on day one; U.S. Citizenship required. 9 years of experience in Software Engineering, with a strong focus on Python backend development and a Bachelors in related field; 7 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 13 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. Demonstrated experience serving as a tech lead, mentor, or manager for engineering teams. 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.

Preferred Requirements 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.