Senior AI Software Engineer

Dark Wolf Solutions, LLC; Herndon, Chantilly (VA, VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Dark Wolf is seeking a Senior AI Software Engineer to design, build, and integrate AI/ML solutions and microservices. You will fine-tune models, develop RAG pipelines, and deploy secure software across multi-cloud environments.

The role requires TS/SCI with Full-Scope Polygraph, a CS-related degree, and 4–7 years of software experience. Responsibilities include refining AI models, building RAG workflows, containerizing services with Docker/Kubernetes, and embedding security scans in CI/CD.

Qualifications

• US Citizenship with active TS/SCI clearance and Full-Scope Polygraph.
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field; Master’s preferred.
• 4–7 years of software engineering experience.
• Hands-on with LangChain, LlamaIndex, or Hugging Face.
• Experience fine-tuning LLMs/SLMs and ML data pipelines.
• Strong Python, C++, and REST API skills; Docker/Kubernetes experience.
• Security tooling integrated into CI/CD; multi-cloud (AWS/Azure Gov) experience.

Responsibilities

• Fine-tune AI models for mission-specific requirements.
• Develop RAG pipelines and vector search integrations.
• Build and manage containerized microservices with Docker/Kubernetes.
• Integrate SAST/DAST tools into CI/CD pipelines.
• Collaborate in Agile teams, perform technical reviews, mentor juniors.

Skills

Python

C++

REST API

LangChain

LlamaIndex

Hugging Face

Docker

Kubernetes

Helm

AWS

Azure GovCloud

Agile

SAST/DAST

Education

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

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Helm charts

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 Senior AI Software Engineer to design, build, and integrate AI/ML solutions and microservices. You will work directly on integrating open-source and proprietary models, fine-tuning workflows, constructing RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) applications, and deploying secure software in multi-cloud environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Fine-tune open-source and proprietary AI models for domain-specific mission requirements.
• Develop RAG pipelines and vector search integrations using modern AI frameworks.
• Build, deploy, and manage containerized microservices using Docker and Kubernetes.
• Integrate automated security scanning tools directly into continuous integration pipelines.
• Collaborate within Agile teams to break down technical requirements, conduct technical reviews, and mentor junior developers.

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: 4-7 years of software engineering experience.
• AI Frameworks: Hands-on experience with frameworks such as LangChain, LlamaIndex, or Hugging Face.
• AI Models: Practical experience fine-tuning Large Language Models (LLMs) and Small Language Models (SLMs).
• Machine Learning: End-to-end knowledge of model training, dataset curation, and data pipeline design.
• Programming & Scripting: Strong proficiency in Python, C++, and REST API architecture.
• Containerization: Proficient with Docker, Kubernetes cluster orchestration, and Helm charts.
• Agile Frameworks: Active participation in Agile sprint execution, story estimation, and backlog refinement.
• Multi-Cloud Architecture: Experience configuring and managing cloud services across AWS or Azure GovCloud environments.
• Security Scanning Tooling: Experience embedding SAST/DAST tools into CI/CD build environments.

Desired Qualifications:

• Specialized technical certifications such as Kubernetes Certified Administrator (CKA) or AWS Certified Developer/Architect.
• Experience working on high-assurance or government security projects.

Position Clearance Requirement:

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

Location: Chantilly/Herndon, VA.

Target Salary Range: $130,000.00 – $170,000.00 (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.