Software Engineer - 28021 - Columbia

Job Description

Requirements
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### Must have:

### - We require 5+ years of professional software engineering experience, with strong hands-on expertise in modern Java frameworks and libraries such as Spring and Guava. - We require a bachelors degree in a related field, or a masters degree with 3 years of relevant experience, or a high school diploma/equivalent with 9 years of relevant experience. - We require U.S. citizenship, with eligibility for a U.S. government security clearance; current Secret or TS clearance is also acceptable. - We require practical experience or a strong aptitude for integrating commercial LLM APIs or open-source models into backend systems. - We require knowledge of applied AI concepts, including prompt engineering, function calling/tool use, and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG). - We require experience designing enterprise APIs, RESTful web services, and microservices-based solutions. - We require experience with object-oriented programming, agile development practices, configuration management tools such as Git, Nexus, and Maven, and Linux command-line environments. - We require strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities, along with the ability to work independently and collaboratively. - We require the ability to learn quickly, manage multiple priorities, and remain effective under pressure. - We require the flexibility to work in a hybrid setting and travel to our Columbia, MD office an average of 1-2 days per week. - We prefer familiarity with Java-based AI integration tools such as Spring AI and LangChain4j, or Python alternatives such as LangChain and LlamaIndex. - We prefer experience with vector databases, semantic caching, AI observability tools, NiFi, Kafka, AWS infrastructure, and Kubernetes. - We prefer cloud experience with AWS and/or Azure, plus familiarity with SQL, NoSQL, and distributed database technologies. - We prefer scripting experience, especially Python, and exposure to big data platforms and common collaboration tools such as JIRA, Confluence, YouTrack, and GitHub. - We may require DoD 8140 / 8570 IAT Level II certification compliance depending on customer direction.

Responsibilities:
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- We design and build foundational AI integration frameworks, including internal APIs, middleware, and routing layers that enable secure AI use across our systems. - We develop Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers and reusable AI skills or tools that allow models to interact safely with internal databases, microservices, and external APIs. - We implement enterprise-grade AI safeguards, including privacy controls, sensitive data redaction, prompt-injection protection, and output validation. - We work with industry best practices, open-source capabilities, and large language models to create secure, production-ready AI software rather than training foundation models from scratch. - We collaborate with other engineers to deliver reliable, high-quality, secure AI-enabled solutions for complex client environments. - We write and maintain thorough tests, including approaches that support automated validation of non-deterministic AI outputs. - We troubleshoot technical issues, support delivery under tight deadlines, and contribute effectively in a fast-paced small-business environment. - We stay current with emerging AI and software engineering developments and apply modern tools and techniques in our work. - We perform other duties as assigned.
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Company:
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We are Enlighten, a USA Today Top Workplace and a leader in big data solution development and deployment, with deep expertise in cloud services, software and systems engineering, cyber capabilities, and data science. We build innovative, secure technology solutions for our clients and foster a collaborative environment where talented engineers can do their best work. Our culture values initiative, creativity, and strong teamwork, and we support a hybrid work model that balances in-person collaboration with the flexibility to work from home when needed. We also offer a competitive benefits package that includes 100% employer-paid medical, vision, and dental premiums for employees, a 10% 401(k) benefit, generous PTO plus 10 paid holidays, and education and training allowances. This role is based in our Columbia, MD office with an average on-site presence of 1-2 days per week, and the anticipated salary range is $115,199 to $155,000, depending on experience, skills, education, certifications, and business needs.
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