Software Engineer 3 - (AI, Python, C++)

Akina • Columbia, MD

2d

About The Position

Akina is seeking a highly motivated and creative Software Engineer with an AI focus to improve organizational processes, streamline efforts, and expand capabilities. The role applies emerging AI technologies to operational challenges and modernizes workflows that support TAO readiness. The engineer works with organizational strategists, senior leadership, training staff, and stakeholders to identify requirements, develop solutions, and turn time-consuming tasks into AI-assisted workflows.

The position applies systems engineering fundamentals throughout the lifecycle, from initial design and prototyping through development, testing, and delivery. It involves building AI agents, Skills, and Model Context Protocol (MCP) integrations to expedite the development, qualification, and certification of cyber professionals. The successful candidate combines software engineering experience with knowledge of CNO operational and training environments, ideally including TAO/CNO formalized training pipelines and certifications.

The role also provides systems engineering and technical documentation support to the training team and stakeholders. The position is in Columbia, Maryland, and requires TS/SCI clearance with a polygraph. Akina describes itself as a Woman Owned, Service Disabled, Veteran Owned, Small Business.

Requirements

• Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph required.
• At least 12 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 additional years of similar SWE experience may substitute for the degree.
• Knowledge of CNE/CNO operations and cyber mission tradecraft.
• Experience with operating systems and networking concepts, including security, design, and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in Bash, Python, and C++.
• Experience applying AI/ML technologies to improve workload efficiency and automate routine tasks.
• Familiarity with AI harnesses and agentic workflows, including implementing Skills and MCP servers.
• Experience applying systems engineering fundamentals from initial design through development and delivery.
• Experience with documentation generation and organization.

Nice To Haves

• Experience or familiarity with former or current TAO/CNO formalized training pipelines.
• Experience developing or reviewing Job Qualification Standards (JQS), high-stakes course products, or foundational training and certification documents.
• Previous Interactive Operator or Exploitation Analyst experience.
• Experience building and deploying custom MCP servers or AI agents in a production or enterprise environment.
• Experience with Large Language Model (LLM) prompt engineering, evaluation, and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG).
• Experience working with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to gather and refine requirements.
• Familiarity with web development frameworks such as React and TypeScript for building user-facing tools.

Responsibilities

• Engage with organizational leadership, training staff, and stakeholders to identify process bottlenecks and define requirements for AI-driven improvements.
• Conceptualize, design, and develop AI solutions that streamline readiness and certification workflows.
• Integrate and configure AI harnesses, including developing custom Skills and Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers, to connect AI workflows with organizational data and tools.
• Apply systems engineering fundamentals from initial design and prototyping through development, testing, and delivery.
• Use AI software engineering practices to build, iterate on, and maintain automation tools using Python, Bash, and C++.
• Leverage AI to assist in developing, reviewing, and maintaining JQS and TQS documentation.
• Create technical documentation, user guides, and training materials to support adoption of AI tools by the training team.
• Provide systems engineering expertise and technical documentation support to the training team and stakeholders.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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