Senior Software Engineer (AI/Systems Integration)
Columbia, MDSoftware Engineer (AI/Systems Integration) – Level III
Location: Columbia, MD
Employment Type: Full-time
Experience Level: Senior (12+ years)
Security Clearance: Active TS/SCI with polygraph required
Position Overview
The selected candidate will serve as a Senior Software Engineer supporting mission-focused development efforts across multiple teams. This role involves designing, developing, and integrating software tools that enhance development workflows, operational capabilities, and system interoperability.
The candidate will be expected to maintain a strong understanding of mission objectives, data flows, and tooling ecosystems while collaborating with stakeholders and engineering teams to deliver solutions supported by modern AI/ML technologies.
Key Responsibilities
Software Development & Delivery Leadership
- Lead full lifecycle software development efforts, including problem decomposition, design, implementation, deployment, and maintenance
- Develop and maintain production-grade applications supporting mission requirements
- Ensure solutions are scalable, maintainable, and aligned with operational needs
Requirements & Stakeholder Engagement
- Engage with mission stakeholders to gather, refine, and document requirements
- Translate operational challenges into technical solutions
- Provide technical guidance and architectural input across development efforts
Workflow & Systems Integration
- Design and integrate workflows across multiple development teams and systems
- Collaborate with engineers to identify issues and develop corrective solutions
- Support testing and validation of integrated systems and workflows
AI/ML & Advanced Capability Development
- Support the integration and development of AI/ML-enabled systems and workflows
- Assist in customizing and applying AI models to operational use cases
- Contribute to experimentation with intelligent automation and workflow optimization
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 12 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 experience developing production-grade software in Python
- Experience supporting software development within mission or operational environments
- Familiarity with AI/ML systems and their integration into software workflows
- Experience working with version control systems (e.g., Git)
- Experience using collaboration and issue-tracking tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence)
- Experience engaging directly with stakeholders to gather requirements
- Strong understanding of scripting and software development fundamentals
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a technical leadership or lead engineering role
- Familiarity with artificial intelligence domains such as:
- Intelligent systems
- Autonomous systems
- Planning systems
- Large language models and model training workflows
- Experience supporting signals intelligence (SIGINT) collection and analysis systems
- Experience supporting operational CNO capabilities and environments
- Familiarity with cloud technologies (e.g., AWS, Docker, Kubernetes)
- Experience with web application or UI development
Desired Attributes
- Ability to lead complex technical projects from concept to delivery
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Effective communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Ability to work through ambiguity and overcome technical challenges
- Commitment to delivering reliable, mission-focused 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.