Senior AI Software Developer

Zachary Piper Solutions; Gaithersburg, Northern (MD, KY); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Job summary

Zachary Piper Solutions seeks a Senior AI Software Developer for a government program in Gaithersburg, MD. The role focuses on real-time, safety-critical systems using microservices, Agile/SAFe, and AI-assisted development within a hybrid work model (3 days onsite, 2 days remote).

The ideal candidate has 8+ years of software development or a Masters with 6+ years, strong Java/Python/C++ skills, and experience with AI/ML, microservices, Docker/Kubernetes, Git, and AWS in Linux environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in CS/Engineering or related field.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Public Trust clearance as required for government work.
• 8+ years of software development experience, or Master's with 6+ years of experience.
• Hands-on experience building and supporting microservices-based systems.
• Proficiency with Java, Python, C++, or similar language in Linux environments.
• Experience with AI/ML-enabled systems and CI/CD pipelines.
• Experience with Agile environments and SAFe methodologies.
• Understanding of APIs, distributed systems, and modern software architecture.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain microservices-based applications supporting national air traffic operations.
• Lead Agile sprint planning, mentor development teams, and drive project execution.
• Collaborate with systems engineers, product owners, DevSecOps, QA, and platform teams to deliver scalable software solutions.
• Develop clean, testable code utilizing CI/CD pipelines, automated testing frameworks, and AI-assisted development tools.
• Integrate applications with APIs, databases, event-streaming platforms, and cloud-based services.

Skills

Java

Python

C++

Linux

AI/ML

Agile

SAFe

Git

Automation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Engineering or related field

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

Kafka

Job description

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Senior AI Software Developer to support air traffic modernization efforts for a government customer in Gaithersburg, MD. This position focuses on developing and modernizing real-time, safety-critical systems through microservices architecture, Agile/SAFe methodologies, and AI-assisted software development practices. This is a hybrid position requiring 3 days onsite and 2 days remote.

Senior AI Software Developer - Gaithersburg, MD Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and maintain microservices-based applications supporting national air traffic operations
• Lead Agile sprint planning, mentor development teams, and drive successful project execution
• Collaborate with systems engineers, product owners, DevSecOps, QA, and platform teams to deliver scalable software solutions
• Develop clean, testable code utilizing CI/CD pipelines, automated testing frameworks, and AI-assisted development tools
• Integrate applications with APIs, databases, event-streaming platforms, and cloud-based services

Senior AI Software Developer - Gaithersburg, MD Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical field (or equivalent experience)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a favorable Public Trust investigation and successfully complete required government background investigations
• 8+ years of software development experience, or Master's degree with 6+ years of experience
• Hands‑on experience building and supporting microservices-based systems
• Proficiency with Java, Python, C++, or a similar programming language in Linux environments
• Experience with AI/ML-enabled systems, automation platforms, or AI-assisted development tools
• Experience working within Agile environments and familiarity with SAFe methodologies
• Understanding of APIs, distributed systems, and modern software architecture concepts
• Experience with Git, CI/CD pipelines, DevSecOps practices, Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud platforms (AWS preferred)
• Experience with relational and/or NoSQL databases and Kafka or other event‑streaming technologies

Senior AI Software Developer - Gaithersburg, MD Compensation:

• $170,000 - $185,000
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), PTO, Sick Leave (if required by law), and Holidays

This job opens for applications on October 1, 2026. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.

Keywords: Senior AI Software Developer, Software Engineer, AI Development, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Microservices, Java, Python, C++, Linux, AWS, Cloud Computing, Docker, Kubernetes, Kafka, APIs, Distributed Systems, Agile, SAFe, DevSecOps, CI/CD, Test Automation, Public Trust, Government Consulting, Air Traffic Modernization, Gaithersburg MD.

#LI-CG2

#LI-HYBRID