AI Software Engineer - SME

Darkwolfsolutions; Chantilly, Herndon (VA, VA); On-site; USD 185,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Dark Wolf is actively seeking an AI Software Engineer SME in Chantilly, VA, to architect and lead enterprise-scale AI solutions for defense and intelligence missions. This role demands deep expertise in AI/ML engineering, secure multi-cloud and air-gapped infrastructures, and direct collaboration with senior government stakeholders.

The candidate will drive architectural vision, oversee novel AI frameworks and deployment of LLMs in secure environments, while ensuring compliance with stringent

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance with Full-Scope Polygraph required.
• Bachelor’s degree; Master’s preferred.
• 15+ years of software engineering experience.

Responsibilities

• Architect and lead the end-to-end technical execution of enterprise-scale AI software systems.
• Serve as the principal technical authority on novel AI frameworks, LLMs, and high-assurance ML capabilities.
• Define enterprise security standards and mandate security scanning tool integrations across complex systems.
• Set the strategic vision for multi-cloud, hybrid, and air-gapped infrastructure design.
• Interface directly with executive and agency leadership to align software engineering roadmaps with high-priority mission objectives.

Skills

AI Architecture

LLMs

Python

C++

Go

Multi-Cloud

Security

DevSecOps

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Kubernetes

Cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP)

Job description

Dark Wolf constructs and deploys data management and analytics solutions for the defense and intelligence communities. We’re proud to boast a world-class engineering team that thrives on rolling up their sleeves to solve your mission’s biggest challenges.

Dark Wolf is seeking an AI Software Engineer Subject Matter Expert (SME) to architect, lead, and execute complex, high-assurance AI/ML engineering initiatives. As the primary technical authority, you will drive enterprise-scale architectural vision, design novel AI systems, oversee multi-cloud and air-gapped infrastructure, and advise key government stakeholders on high-impact AI strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect and lead the end-to-end technical execution of enterprise-scale AI software systems.
• Serve as the principal technical authority on novel AI frameworks, LLMs, and high-assurance ML capabilities.
• Define enterprise security standards and mandate security scanning tool integrations across complex systems.
• Set the strategic vision for multi-cloud, hybrid, and air-gapped infrastructure design.
• Interface directly with executive and agency leadership to align software engineering roadmaps with high-priority mission objectives.

Qualifications

• Clearance: Must be a US Citizen holding an active TS/SCI security clearance with an active Full-Scope Polygraph.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related technical field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Experience: 15+ years of software engineering experience.

Technical Competencies

• AI Frameworks: Enterprise AI ecosystem architecture, framework governance, and strategic platform selection.
• AI Models: Architecting novel model architectures, fine-tuning strategies, and deployment of LLMs in air-gapped environments.
• Machine Learning: Enterprise MLOps architecture, governance, lifecycle management, and scalable ML operations.
• Programming & Scripting: Polyglot mastery across high-performance languages (Python, C++, Go) and system optimization.
• Containerization: Enterprise multi-cluster architecture, zero-trust container security, and orchestration strategy.
• Agile Frameworks: Strategic Agile leadership, enterprise scaling frameworks, and organizational Agile transformation.
• Multi-Cloud Architecture: Hybrid, multi-cloud, and secure air-gapped enterprise cloud architecture design.
• Security Scanning Tooling: Enterprise DevSecOps security posture, compliance authority, and vulnerability remediation leadership.

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced Certifications: AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Kubernetes Certified Administrator (CKA), or specialized AI/ML certifications.
• Deep understanding of high-assurance software engineering, zero-trust architecture, and classified deployment constraints.

Position Clearance Requirement

US Citizenship with an active TS/SCI security clearance with Full-Scope Polygraph

Location

Chantilly/Herndon, VA.

Target Salary Range

$185,000.00 – $240,000.00+ (Commensurate with specialized expertise and technical skillset).

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity, confirm US Citizenship, and complete the required employment eligibility verification upon hire.

We are strictly looking for direct, full-time W2 employees. We do not engage with third-party staffing agencies, C2C, or 1099 independent contractors for this role.