Python Developer (AI and/or GIS Specialist)

Black Cape; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Black Cape is seeking a Python Developer passionate about AI-enabled GIS to design, develop, and deploy scalable ML/AI features for our core product. You will work at the intersection of software engineering and data science, taking models from research to production in enterprise environments.

Requires active TS/SCI clearance and willingness to obtain CI Poly; US citizenship or a security clearance is required. Onsite work in Bethesda, MD (3–5 days/week) in a SCIF.

Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree and 1.5+ years of professional experience.
• Proficient with Python programming language
• Proficient with PostgreSQL or similar database solution
• Experience with Docker-based development and containerization
• Aptitude for learning new technologies, tools, and processes, with a proven history of picking up new skills as project needs evolve
• Experience working in and willingness to work in classified government environments.
• Experience developing on MacOS, Windows, and Linux

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy AI/ML models for enterprise GIS products.
• Collaborate with software engineering and data science teams to operationalize models.
• Contribute to scalable, production-ready deployment pipelines.

Skills

Python

PostgreSQL

Docker

Cross-platform development

Security clearance experience

Learning agility

Experience in classified environments

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

GitLab

Elasticsearch

REST/GraphQL APIs

Pydantic

DeepEval

Kubernetes/OpenShift

GitLab CI

RedHat/Linux

Job description

Black Cape

Title: Python Developer (AI and/or GIS Specialist)

Location: Bethesda, MD

Onsite: Expected to go onsite (into a SCIF) 3-5 days per week

Clearance: TS/SCI - Must be willing to get a CI Poly

***MUST have an Active TS/SCI clearance and be willing to get a CI Poly***

***If you do NOT have a US Citizenship or a Security Clearance issued by a US Government Customer, we will likely not get back to you. It is a REQUIREMENT of the job.***

What we are hiring

We are looking for a Python Developer that is passionate about learning the art of AI-enabled GIS to join our growing team. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and deploying scalable Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning models that drive our core product features. You will work at the intersection of software engineering and data science, taking models from the research phase and operationalizing them in production environments. The ideal candidate has strong programming skills, deep knowledge of modern ML frameworks, and hands‑on experience with deploying models to enterprise systems.

Required Technical Skills (MUST HAVES)

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree and 1.5+ years of professional experience
• Proficient with Python programming language
• Proficient with PostgreSQL or similar database solution
• Experience with Docker-based development and containerization
• Aptitude for learning new technologies, tools, and processes, with a proven history of picking up new skills as project needs evolve
• Experience working in and willingness to work in classified government environments.
• Experience developing on MacOS, Windows, and Linux

Preferred Technical Skills (NICE TO HAVES)

• Experience with geospatial intelligence (GIS) tools, training, or certifications
• Familiarity with LLM evaluation methods such as LLM-as-a-judge patterns
• Familiarity with fine-tuning models such as low‑rank adapters (LoRA)
• Familiarity with Elasticsearch
• Experience with GitLab as both SDLC tool and CI/CD tool including but not limited to Git LFS and GitLab CI
• Experience with Python libraries including but not limited to Pydantic or DeepEval.
• Experience with creating and using APIs based on open standards including REST or GraphQL
• Experience with Linux-based distros including RedHat or Alpine.
• Familiarity with cloud-native architecture and/or containerization application platforms, such as Kubernetes or OpenShift
• CompTIA Security+ certification

Great Benefits

Great Benefits | 401K | Competitive Salary | Generous Time Off | Exceptional Team-Building & Fun Company Events | Mentorship & Professional Development Programs | Tuition Reimbursement | Parental Leave Policy