Software Engineer (SWE), Level 1

Bitwise • Columbia, MD

1d • $197,500 - $232,500

About The Position

Bitwise is seeking a motivated Software Engineer with an interest in AI to join its Standards, Operational Assurance, and Readiness (SOAR) organization. The engineer will apply modern AI technologies to operational challenges that affect mission readiness, working with senior engineers, organizational strategists, training staff, and other stakeholders. The role offers opportunities to learn about AI agents, Skills, Model Context Protocol (MCP) integrations, and CNO operational and training environments while helping streamline the development, qualification, and certification of cyber professionals.

The engineer will help gather requirements, build and test AI-assisted tools, and turn time-consuming tasks into streamlined workflows. Work spans prototyping, coding, testing, and delivery of assigned features, with guidance from senior engineers. The position also involves creating automation scripts and supporting adoption of new tools through documentation and training materials.

Requirements

• An active TS//SCI clearance with polygraph.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience with a B.S. in a technical discipline, or at least 7 years of relevant experience without a degree.
• Proficiency in at least one scripting or programming language; Python or Bash 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).

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 identify process bottlenecks.
• Implement and test components of AI-driven solutions for readiness and certification workflows, with guidance from senior engineers.
• Configure AI harnesses and develop and maintain 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

• Choose between 3 and 5 weeks of PTO, with a corresponding adjustment to pay.
• 11 paid federal holidays.
• Up to 2 paid snow days.
• 401(k) match of up to 24% of contributions, with unclaimed matches paid as extra income or directed to retirement.
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; eligible employees already covered by health insurance may choose a salary boost instead.
• $5,250 annual education assistance for training, certifications, tuition, and student loan repayments.
• Spot bonuses for certifications, customer recognition, and other achievements.

What This Job Offers

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