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Senior Software Engineer- Applied AI - Fully Cleared (Prime)

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionMake an Impact Where It Matters Most

At Intelliforce, we’re not just adopting AI—we’re redefining its role in operational environments. As a Senior Applied AI Engineer, you won’t be replicating the latest trends—you’ll be pioneering the next wave of real-world, mission-driven AI solutions. Embedded with elite cyber operations teams, you’ll engineer tools that automate the impossible, reimagine workflows, and bring high-stakes innovation directly to the front lines. This is where uptime matters, edge cases are the norm, and your ideas directly shape the future of security.

Here’s What Your Day-to-Day Might Include

  • Architecting and deploying production-grade AI systems purpose-built for operational cyber environments

  • Designing agent orchestration frameworks that intelligently coordinate models, tools, and tasks

  • Leading research sprints and prototyping sessions to explore novel AI applications

  • Developing and scaling MCP servers (or similar model-serving infrastructure) for secure, real-time access to AI models

  • Engineering advanced prompt strategies tailored to nuanced, high-risk cyber use cases

  • Building resilient integration layers that gracefully manage model behavior, tool dependencies, and system errors

  • Mentoring junior engineers while writing and reviewing high-quality production code

  • Making technical and architectural decisions that prioritize both innovation and mission reliability

  • Driving strategic discussions on the real capabilities and limits of AI in ops settings

  • Delivering proof-of-concepts that challenge norms and bring bold ideas to life

  • Establishing best practices for AI systems within classified and operationally constrained environments

Minimum Qualifications

  • Clearance: TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph

  • Citizenship: U.S.

  • Education & Experience:

    • Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline + 12 years of engineering experience

    • OR 16 years of relevant experience with no degree requirement

Required Skills

  • Expert-level proficiency in Python, with 12+ years of software engineering experience

  • Demonstrated success deploying AI systems into production, beyond prototypes or demos

  • Deep understanding of AI architecture including agents, retrieval-augmented (RAG), function calling, and orchestration

  • Hands-on experience with MCP servers or other model-serving platforms

  • Proven success with prompt engineering in dynamic, real-world environments

  • Strong background in resilient distributed systems and fault-tolerant design

  • Comfortable with async workflows, graceful degradation, and failure-handling strategies

  • Sharp understanding of the capabilities and limitations of LLMs, APIs, and AI toolchains

  • Ability to rapidly prototype, iterate, and scale solutions responsibly

  • Strong instincts for debugging AI-specific issues, especially in non-deterministic environments

  • History of navigating and succeeding in ambiguous, greenfield problem spaces

Desired Qualifications

  • Applied experience in cybersecurity, intelligence, or mission operations involving AI

  • Contributions to open-source AI projects, research papers, or major AI frameworks

  • Experience with fine-tuning, domain adaptation, or building domain-specific models

  • Knowledge of adversarial AI, model safety, or secure AI deployment strategies

  • Background in building developer platforms, SDKs, or internal AI tooling

  • Public speaking, technical blogs, or publications in applied AI or engineering strategy

  • Leadership in high-risk, ambiguous environments where innovation meets urgency

  • Active engagement in the AI/ML engineering community

Compensation Range: $199,000.00 - $262,000.00
*The salary range provided reflects an estimate based on current market trends and may be adjusted based on factors such as the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications. The final offer will be tailored after a thorough evaluation of the candidate’s background and suitability for the role. Please note that this range is intended as a guideline and is subject to flexibility.
Why Intelliforce? Because you matter—your work, your growth, and your well-being.
At Intelliforce, we don’t just push the boundaries of technology—we partner with some of the most mission-driven teams in defense and beyond to solve challenges that truly matter. As a Systems Engineer here, you won’t just contribute to projects—you’ll help shape outcomes that make a real-world impact.
We also know that great work starts with a great environment. That’s why we invest in you:

  • Ample PTO to rest and recharge—plus all federal holidays and your birthday off, just because.
  • Multiple medical plan options, including ones with zero deductible or premium for employees.
  • Generous 401(k) with immediate vesting—because your future matters now.
  • Exciting bonus opportunities, from profit sharing to quarterly awards and President’s Club recognition.
  • A culture of collaboration, connection, and fun, with regular team activities that go beyond the work.

Ready to grow with purpose?
At Intelliforce, your career will flourish in a place where innovation thrives and people come first. Join us—and let’s build something meaningful together. You can reach us at careers@intelliforce-itsg.com or schedule a call with our Director of Recruitment, just visit this link to view their calendar: https://calendly.com/amwolfe-intelliforce-itsg/30min .

Equal Opportunity Matters
Intelliforce-IT Solutions Group, LLC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions.

Need accommodations during the application process? We’re happy to help. Reach out to us at Recruiting@intelliforce-itsg.com with your specific request.
 

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Senior Software Engineer- Applied AI - Fully Cleared (Prime)

Annapolis Junction, MD
Full time

Published on 07/31/2025

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