Software Engineer (Agentic AI Systems) - Level 3
Columbia, MDSoftware Engineer (Agentic AI Systems) – 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 the development of an advanced agent-based platform designed to enable intelligent and autonomous workflows. This role focuses on integrating heterogeneous data sources, APIs, and tooling frameworks to support scalable, interoperable systems in a mission-driven environment.
The candidate will collaborate closely with technical stakeholders, including analysts and engineers, to translate operational requirements into AI-enabled software capabilities that improve automation, decision support, and system interoperability.
Key Responsibilities
Agentic Platform Development
- Design, develop, and maintain agent-based integrations using Python in production environments
- Build and enhance workflows using modern agentic frameworks and toolchains
- Implement agentic primitives such as tools, prompts, skills, and sub-agents
Data & Streaming Systems Engineering
- Design and implement real-time data processing pipelines using event-streaming architectures
- Utilize distributed messaging systems for scalable data ingestion and processing
- Develop indexing and search capabilities for large-scale datasets
AI/ML Integration & Automation
- Develop systems leveraging multiple AI models, APIs, and external data sources
- Apply AI development concepts including prompt engineering, structured outputs, and tool/function orchestration
- Leverage AI-assisted development tools to improve productivity and code quality
Stakeholder Collaboration & Requirements Development
- Work directly with analysts and stakeholders to identify automation opportunities and gather requirements
- Translate operational workflows into scalable technical solutions
- Support iterative development and refinement of production systems
Platform Operations & Maintenance
- Maintain and support production-grade agentic platforms
- Troubleshoot system issues and ensure operational reliability
- Support deployment and continuous improvement of platform capabilities
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 software engineering experience with Python in production environments
- Experience building and maintaining applications supporting large user bases
- Understanding of AI development concepts, including prompt engineering, context management, and tool/function calling
- Experience with distributed or streaming data systems and event-driven architectures
- Experience using AI-assisted software development tools
- Strong debugging, refactoring, and system design skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with agent-based systems and multi-agent orchestration frameworks
- Familiarity with cybersecurity operations or security-focused workflows
- Experience deploying applications in cloud environments (e.g., AWS) with container orchestration (e.g., Kubernetes)
- Experience with CI/CD automation pipelines (e.g., GitLab-based workflows)
- Familiarity with retrieval systems such as vector databases or semantic search technologies
- Experience analyzing cybersecurity-related datasets (e.g., network traffic, system logs)
- Experience supporting signals intelligence (SIGINT) collection and analysis systems
- Experience supporting operational computer network operations (CNO) environments
Desired Attributes
- Strong analytical and systems-thinking capabilities
- Ability to operate effectively in complex and evolving technical environments
- Strong communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Ability to translate ambiguous requirements into scalable technical solutions
- Commitment to building reliable, maintainable, and high-impact systems
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.