Junior AI Software Engineer

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

Job summary

Dark Wolf in Chantilly/Herndon, VA, seeks a Junior / Entry-Level AI Software Engineer to help build and deploy AI/ML pipelines in secure environments. You will work with senior leads to maintain data processing workflows and containerize components.

The role emphasizes Python, Bash, Docker, unit testing, security scans, and Agile practices. US citizenship with TS/SCI clearance is required, with Full-Scope Polygraph; a Bachelor's degree (Master’s preferred) and 0–4+ years of experience are

Qualifications

• US citizenship with active TS/SCI clearance and Full-Scope Polygraph.
• Bachelor’s degree in CS/IS/Engineering or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 0–4+ years of software engineering experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist with building and maintaining scalable ML data ingestion pipelines.
• Support code development and scripting using Python and Bash.
• Containerize application modules using Docker for deployment.
• Perform unit testing and run automated security scanning to ensure code health.
• Participate in daily Agile activities, code reviews, and backlog refinement.

Skills

Python

Bash

Docker

Agile

PyTorch

TensorFlow

SonarQube

AWS

Azure

Education

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

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Docker

AWS

Azure

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 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.
• Containerize application modules using Docker for deployment.
• 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.

Technical Competencies

• 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, 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.