JUNIOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPER

Ignite Now; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ignite Now, headquartered in Huntsville, AL, is seeking a Junior Software Developer to help build AI‑enabled applications and MCP services. You will collaborate with senior engineers to integrate large language models with internal data sources, simulations, and automated workflows.

The role focuses on Python development, REST APIs, and backend services, with responsibilities spanning testing, documentation, and CI/CD practices in a security‑critical environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, Mathematics, Physics, or related field.
• Experience developing software in Python through coursework, internships, or projects.
• Familiarity with object‑oriented programming, APIs, JSON, and asynchronous programming.
• Basic understanding of large language models, prompt engineering, tool calling, or agentic application patterns.
• Experience using Git or another version‑control system.
• Ability to communicate technical information and work well on a development team.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a U.S. Government TS/SCI security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain Python‑based applications, services, and automation tools.
• Build and integrate MCP servers, tools, resources, and client applications.
• Support agentic workflows that use large language models to select tools and perform multi‑step tasks.
• Integrate applications with OpenAI‑compatible APIs and locally hosted language models.
• Create configuration‑driven tools and workflows with minimal hard‑coded behavior.
• Develop REST APIs and backend services for AI‑enabled applications.
• Write unit tests, troubleshoot software issues, and maintain technical documentation.
• Use Git‑based development processes, code reviews, and CI.
• Assist with containerizing and deploying applications in offline/restricted environments.

Skills

Python

OOP

APIs/JSON

Asynchronous

Git

Communication

TS/SCI clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS / related field

Tools

OpenAI APIs

FastAPI

Pydantic

HTTPX

asyncio

Uvicorn

Pytest

Docker

Job description

JUNIOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPER

Ignite is an employee‑owned SDVOSB headquartered in Huntsville, AL that delivers mission‑critical impact for the Army, Air Force, Space Force, MDA, NASA, DIA, and FBI.

We are seeking a Junior Software Developer to support the development of AI‑enabled applications, agentic workflows, Model Context Protocol (MCP) services, and reusable software tools. The developer will work with senior engineers to integrate large language models with internal applications, data sources, simulations, and automated workflows.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain Python‑based applications, services, and automation tools.
• Build and integrate MCP servers, tools, resources, and client applications.
• Support agentic workflows that use large language models to select tools, perform multi‑step tasks, and process results.
• Integrate applications with OpenAI‑compatible APIs and locally hosted language models.
• Create configuration‑driven tools and workflows with minimal hard‑coded behavior.
• Develop REST APIs and backend services for AI‑enabled applications.
• Write unit tests, troubleshoot software issues, and maintain technical documentation.
• Use Git‑based development processes, code reviews, and continuous integration.
• Assist with containerizing and deploying applications in offline or restricted environments.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical field.
• Experience developing software in Python through coursework, internships, personal projects, or professional work.
• Familiarity with object‑oriented programming, APIs, JSON, and asynchronous programming.
• Basic understanding of large language models, prompt engineering, tool calling, or agentic application patterns.
• Experience using Git or another version‑control system.
• Ability to communicate technical information and work effectively as part of a development team.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government TS/SCI security clearance.

Desired Experience

• Model Context Protocol, FastMCP, or the official MCP Python SDK
• OpenAI SDK or other OpenAI‑compatible APIs
• LangGraph, LangChain, Agno, Semantic Kernel, or similar agent frameworks
• FastAPI, Pydantic, HTTPX, asyncio, and Uvicorn
• Pytest and automated software testing
• Docker and containerized development
• Retrieval‑augmented generation, embeddings, or vector databases
• Local or offline large language model deployment
• Linux development environments and basic command‑line tools

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is curious, motivated, and comfortable learning unfamiliar technologies. They should enjoy building practical software, experimenting with emerging AI capabilities, and turning prototypes into reliable, maintainable tools. Direct professional experience with every technology listed above is not expected.

We are equal‑opportunity/affirmative‑action employers, committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under state or local law.

Accommodation Request: If you are a qualified individual with a disability or are a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our Careers sites as a result of your disability, you have the right to receive assistance in completing the application process. Please send your request to [e-mail].