Software Engineer 1 - (AI, Python, Bash)

Akina • Columbia, MD

1d

About The Position

Akina is seeking a motivated Software Engineer with an interest in AI to help improve processes, streamline efforts, and expand team capabilities. The role offers the opportunity to grow as an engineer while applying modern AI technologies to operational challenges. Working alongside senior engineers and an organizational strategist, the engineer will help gather requirements, build and test AI-assisted tools, and turn time-consuming tasks into streamlined workflows. The position provides hands-on experience with AI agents, Skills, and MCP integrations supporting the development, qualification, and certification of cyber professionals, along with exposure to CNO operational and training environments.

The engineer will work with training staff and stakeholders to understand requirements and process bottlenecks, implement AI-driven workflow solutions under senior-engineer guidance, and contribute to prototyping, coding, testing, and delivery. The role also includes configuring AI harnesses, developing and maintaining custom Skills and Model Context Protocol servers, building Python and Bash automation, supporting JQS and TQS documentation with AI tools, and preparing technical documentation and training materials.

The position is in Columbia, Maryland and requires TS/SCI clearance with polygraph. Akina describes itself as a Woman Owned, Service Disabled, Veteran Owned small business. Its compensation package includes 24 days of PTO accrued annually, 11 federal holidays, a 401(k) that is 100% vested on the start date with a direct company contribution worth 10% of salary, healthcare coverage for employees and partial coverage for dependents, and educational assistance and payment for job-related training and certifications.

Requirements

• Proficiency in at least one scripting or programming language; Python or Bash is preferred.
• Understanding of software engineering fundamentals, including version control (Git), testing, and debugging.
• Basic knowledge of operating systems and networking concepts.
• Familiarity with AI/LLM tools and interest in applying them to automate routine tasks.
• Ability to write clear, organized technical documentation.
• Strong communication skills and willingness to learn from senior engineers and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
• At least three years of experience as a software engineer on programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related discipline from an accredited college or university; four years of additional SWE experience on projects with similar software processes may substitute for a bachelor's degree.
• TS/SCI clearance with polygraph required.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of or exposure to CNE/CNO operations and cyber mission tradecraft.
• Experience or coursework with AI harnesses and agentic workflows, including Skills or MCP servers.
• Exposure to systems engineering concepts, from design through delivery.
• Experience with C++.
• Familiarity with LLM prompt engineering, evaluation, or Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG).
• Familiarity with web development frameworks such as React or TypeScript for building user-facing tools.
• Experience or familiarity with TAO/CNO formalized training pipelines.
• Exposure to Job Qualification Standards (JQS) or other training and certification documents.

Responsibilities

• Participate in discussions with training staff and stakeholders to capture requirements and understand process bottlenecks.
• Implement and test components of AI-driven solutions that streamline readiness and certification workflows, with guidance from senior engineers.
• Assist in configuring AI harnesses, including developing and maintaining custom Skills and Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers that connect AI workflows to organizational data and tools.
• Contribute to the development lifecycle, including prototyping, coding, testing, and delivery of assigned features.
• Build and maintain automation scripts and tools using Python and Bash.
• Use AI tools to assist in drafting, reviewing, and maintaining JQS and TQS documentation under the direction of the training team.
• Write technical documentation, user guides, and training materials to support adoption of new AI tools.
• Learn and apply team coding standards, version control practices, and review processes.

Benefits

• 24 days of PTO accrued annually and 11 federal holidays.
• 401(k) is 100% vested on the start date, with a direct company contribution worth 10% of salary.
• Akina covers 100% of healthcare costs for employees and 50% toward dependents.
• Educational assistance toward college classes.
• Coverage of costs associated with job-related training and certifications.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level