Jr Software Engineer (AI/Agentic Systems)
Columbia, MDSoftware Engineer (AI/Agentic Systems) – Level I
Location: Columbia, MD
Employment Type: Full-time
Experience Level: Junior (3+ years)
Security Clearance: Active TS/SCI with polygraph required
Position Overview
The selected candidate will support the design, development, and sustainment of advanced AI-enabled software systems focused on agent-based, autonomous workflows. This role involves building scalable platforms that integrate diverse data sources, external APIs, and modern tooling to enable interoperable, adaptive capabilities.
The candidate will collaborate closely with technical stakeholders and operational users to translate complex challenges into effective, data-driven solutions. This position provides an opportunity to contribute to emerging technologies in agent-based systems and real-time analytics within a mission-focused environment.
Key Responsibilities
Application & Platform Development
- Develop and maintain software components supporting agent-based workflows and automation
- Integrate AI models, APIs, and data sources into production-grade systems
- Build tools and frameworks that enable intelligent, context-aware system behavior
Agentic Systems Engineering
- Design and implement agent workflows using modern frameworks and development patterns
- Develop capabilities utilizing prompt engineering, context management, and tool/function integration
- Support modular, scalable approaches to agent orchestration and system design
Data Processing & Analytics
- Design and implement real-time analytics pipelines using event-streaming platforms
- Develop scalable data ingestion, processing, and indexing solutions
- Enable efficient querying and analysis of large datasets
Collaboration & Requirements Development
- Work directly with stakeholders and operational users to understand workflows and identify automation opportunities
- Translate mission requirements into technical solutions
- Provide ongoing support and enhancements based on user feedback
System Maintenance & Reliability
- Maintain and troubleshoot production-grade systems
- Ensure system performance, scalability, and reliability in operational environments
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline (or additional experience in lieu of degree)
- Strong proficiency in Python for software development
- Experience building and maintaining production applications supporting multiple users
- Understanding of AI development concepts, including:
- Prompt engineering
- Context and state management
- Structured outputs and tool/function integration
- Experience developing scalable, event-driven or stream processing applications
- Familiarity with modern development tools and workflows, including AI-assisted coding tools
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with agent-based or multi-agent system development
- Familiarity with cybersecurity or operational security workflows
- Experience deploying and managing applications in cloud environments (e.g., AWS)
- Experience with container orchestration platforms (e.g., Kubernetes)
- Experience with CI/CD automation (e.g., Git-based pipelines)
- Familiarity with retrieval systems (e.g., vector databases, semantic search)
- Experience analyzing complex datasets (e.g., network traffic, system logs)
- Knowledge of signals intelligence (SIGINT) systems or workflows
- Experience supporting operational cyber or network-focused capabilities
Desired Attributes
- Ability to operate effectively in a mission-driven, fast-paced environment
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Willingness to learn and apply emerging technologies
- Effective communication and collaboration with technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Attention to detail and commitment to delivering reliable solutions
Benefits & Total Compensation
Compensation & Retirement
- Highly competitive base salary
- Performance-based bonus opportunities
- Employee referral bonus program (up to $10,000 per referral)
- 401(k) and Roth retirement plans with up to 10% profit-sharing contribution
Paid Time Off & Leave
- 25 days of paid time off annually
- PTO buy-back program
- 11 paid holidays annually (with flexible scheduling options)
- 3 additional paid site closure days per year
- Paid bereavement leave
- Paid parental leave:
- 8 weeks childbirth leave for birthing parent
- 4 weeks bonding leave for all parents (birth or adoption)
Health & Insurance
- 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents
- Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (medical, dependent care, limited purpose)
- Company-paid basic life insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability coverage
Education & Professional Development
- Unlimited company-funded training courses and industry conferences
- Education assistance and continuing education support
- Up to 5 paid training days per year
Additional Benefits
- Company-provided apparel
- Regular company-sponsored events, including family-friendly gatherings and social events
- Annual holiday celebration
Benefits are subject to change based on contract and organizational policies.
Additional Information
- This position requires work to be performed on-site in a secure environment
- Candidates must maintain an active security clearance
- U.S. citizenship may be required based on contract requirements
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability.