Software Engineer I (Python Focus)

Torch.AI; Leawood (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity participation

Unlimited PTO

11 paid company holidays

Professional development

Weekly in-office catering

Job summary

Torch.AI in Leawood, KS is seeking a backend developer for a full‑time role eligible for security clearance. You will build and maintain backend services using Python or Java, design REST APIs, and work with SQL/NoSQL data stores.

The position emphasizes peer code reviews, CI/CD, and documentation within a mission‑driven environment. The ideal candidate has 1–2 years of backend experience, solid OOP knowledge, and strong problem‑solving and communication skills.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field required or equivalent practical experience.
• 1–2 years backend development experience (internships or projects acceptable).
• Proficiency in Python or Java with strong OOP fundamentals.
• Experience designing REST APIs and JSON data exchange.

Responsibilities

• Implement and maintain backend services using Python, Java, or both under guidance.
• Build, test, and consume RESTful APIs supporting mission‑focused systems.
• Write clean, testable code and participate in peer reviews.
• Assist with debugging and troubleshooting across services.
• Work with SQL/NoSQL databases to persist and retrieve data.
• Develop data transformation tasks, ETL workflows, and external API integrations.
• Engage in Git workflows, CI/CD concepts, and modern backend practices.
• Contribute to API and service documentation.

Skills

Python

Java

REST APIs

OOP fundamentals

Git workflows

SQL/NoSQL

Problem solving

Communication

Education

B.S. in Computer Science

Tools

FastAPI/Flask

Spring Boot/Micronaut

Docker

Kafka/Airflow/NiFi

Job description

Job Overview

Torch.AI builds a government‑owned reasoning infrastructure that enables machine reasoning at scale. The role is a full‑time, clearance‑eligible position.

What You’ll Do

• Implement and maintain backend services using Python (FastAPI/Flask) and/or Java (Spring Boot, Micronaut) under guidance.
• Build, test, and consume RESTful APIs supporting mission‑focused systems.
• Write clean, testable code and participate in peer code reviews.
• Assist with debugging, troubleshooting, and resolving development issues across services.
• Work with SQL and NoSQL databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Elasticsearch) to support data persistence and retrieval.
• Develop and support basic data transformation tasks, ETL workflows, and external API integrations.
• Work with structured and semi‑structured data formats (JSON, CSV, Parquet).
• Participate in Git workflows, sprint execution, and core SDLC practices.
• Contribute to documentation of APIs, services, and technical workflows.
• Learn and apply CI/CD concepts and modern backend development practices.

Core Skills & Qualifications

• B.S. in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• 1–2 years of backend development experience (internships, academic projects, or professional experience acceptable).
• Proficiency in either Python or Java, with understanding of OOP fundamentals.
• Familiarity with REST APIs, HTTP fundamentals, and JSON‑based data exchange.
• Exposure to frameworks such as FastAPI, Flask, Spring Boot, or Micronaut.
• Basic experience writing SQL queries and working with relational or NoSQL databases.
• Familiarity with Git and collaborative development workflows.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and willingness to learn in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Additional Valuable Experience

• Exposure to cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
• Awareness of CI/CD pipelines and containerization (Docker).
• Familiarity with Kafka, Airflow, NiFi, or other data integration tools.
• Exposure to microservices or cloud‑native development patterns.
• Basic understanding of IAM, security fundamentals, or secure development environments.
• Interest in mission‑oriented systems or regulated environments.

The Type of Candidates Who Thrive

• They are comfortable operating without full clarity.
• They pay attention to what actually happens, not just what was intended.
• They are willing to be wrong, adjust quickly, and improve based on real feedback.
• They take responsibility for outcomes, not just implementation.

Security Clearance and Citizenship

Some roles require an active Secret, Top Secret, or Top Secret/SCI clearance. Where required, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate clearance level. U.S. citizenship is required for all positions. Torch.AI does not sponsor employment visas. If you do not currently hold a clearance but are eligible, sponsorship may be available depending on role and mission requirements.

Work Location

Most roles are based at our headquarters in Leawood, KS. Some hybrid/remote positions across the Arlington, VA, Washington, DC, and Maryland (DMV) region are available. Limited travel (<10%) may be required for some roles.

Compensation, Benefits, Incentives

• Competitive base salary
• Quarterly performance bonuses
• Equity participation within the first 12 months
• Unlimited PTO + 11 paid company holidays
• Professional development in a high‑growth, mission‑driven environment
• Weekly in‑office catering at HQ

Benefits

• 401(k) plan (no current employer match, but under consideration)
• PPO, HSA, and TRICARE Supplement medical options
• Above‑market HSA contributions
• HSA, FSA, and Dependent Care FSA options
• Dental and vision plans above national averages
• Employer‑paid life insurance (1× salary)
• Employer‑paid Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability
• Voluntary Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity coverage
• Up to $300/month in tax‑advantaged commuter benefits

Torch.AI is an Equal Opportunity / Affinity Action Employer committed to building a team that reflects the mission we serve.