Junior AI Software Engineer

Dark Wolf Solutions, LLC; Herndon, Chantilly (VA, VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Dark Wolf is seeking a Junior / Entry-Level AI Software Engineer to support building and deploying AI/ML pipelines in secure environments. You will assist in maintaining data processing workflows, implement foundational code, and help containerize software components.

You will work with senior leads, participate in Agile ceremonies, and gain experience with PyTorch/TensorFlow, Python, Docker, and cloud basics in a defense-focused setting.

Qualifications

• US Citizenship with an active TS/SCI clearance and Full-Scope Polygraph.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related technical field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 0–4+ years of software engineering experience.
• Basic familiarity with PyTorch or TensorFlow.
• Core understanding of ML concepts and feature engineering.
• Practical competency in Python and scripting tools.
• Experience building and running Docker images.
• Working knowledge of Agile, Scrum, or Kanban.
• Basic familiarity with AWS or Azure cloud platforms.
• Hands-on exposure to static code analysis and security scanning tools (e.g., SonarQube).

Responsibilities

• Assist with building and maintaining scalable ML data ingestion pipelines.
• Support code development and scripting using Python and Bash.
• Perform regular unit testing and automated security scanning to ensure code health and compliance.
• Participate in daily Agile activities, code reviews, and backlog refinement sessions.

Skills

Python

Bash scripting

Agile methodologies

Prompt engineering basics

Model evaluation basics

Security awareness

Education

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

Tools

Docker

PyTorch

TensorFlow

AWS/Azure basics

SonarQube

Job description

Dark Wolfconstructs 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 Wolfis seeking a Junior / Entry-Level AI Software Engineer to support the construction, testing, and deployment of artificial intelligence and machine learning pipelines in secure, high-assurance environments. In this role, you will work alongside senior technical leads to maintain data processing workflows, implement foundational software code, and assist in containerizing software components

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with building and maintaining scalable ML data ingestion pipelines.
• Support code development and scripting using Python and Bash.
• Perform regular unit testing and execute automated security scanning tools to ensure code health and compliance.
• Participate in daily Agile activities, code reviews, and backlog refinement sessions.

Required 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: 0-4+ years of software engineering experience.
• AI Frameworks: Basic familiarity with PyTorch or TensorFlow.
• AI Models: Basic understanding of model evaluation techniques and foundational prompt engineering.
• Machine Learning: Core understanding of supervised/unsupervised learning concepts and feature engineering.
• Programming & Scripting: Practical competency in Python and fundamental scripting tools.
• Containerization: Experience building and running basic Docker images.
• Agile Frameworks: Working knowledge of Agile, Scrum, or Kanban concepts.
• Multi-Cloud Architecture: Basic familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure.
• Security Scanning Tooling: Hands-on exposure to static code analysis and security scanning tools (e.g., SonarQube).

Desired Qualifications

• Experience writing automated unit tests and maintaining code repositories.
• Cloud or technical entry certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner).

Position Clearance Requirement

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

Location

Chantilly/Herndon, VA.

Target Salary Range

$90,000.00 – $130,000.00 (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 and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form 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.