Senior Applied AI Engineer 3 - (Python, LLMs, RAG)

Akina, Inc. • $232K — $283K *
Annapolis, MD 21401In-Person
Information Technology
11 - 15 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 12+ years of experience in software engineering, or 4 additional years in lieu of a B.S.
  • Proficient in Python and modern software engineering practices.
  • Experience with AI technologies like LLMs and RAG for application development.
  • Knowledge of building REST APIs and integrating diverse data sources.
  • Familiarity with SQL, Elasticsearch, or other data storage technologies.
  • Strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.
  • Excellent communication skills for engaging with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

  • Design and maintain AI applications using Python.
  • Implement LLM-powered workflows and RAG pipelines for mission-specific problems.
  • Develop backend services and APIs for AI applications.
  • Transform natural language user requests into analytical workflows.
  • Work closely with stakeholders to prototype AI solutions rapidly.
  • Integrate various data types into scalable AI applications.
  • Assess new AI frameworks and models for mission use.

Benefits

  • 24 days of PTO accrued annually, plus 11 federal holidays.
  • 401k with 100% vesting at start and a 10% company contribution.
  • 100% healthcare coverage for employees and 50% for dependents.
  • Educational assistance for college classes and job-related training expenses.
Full Job Description
Senior Applied AI Engineer 3 - (Python, LLMs, RAG)

Clearance: TS/SCI - Polygraph required
Position ID: 20-16-033-SWE3
Location: Annapolis Junction, Maryland

Description:

Join a fast-moving Tactical AI team developing production-quality AI applications that accelerate mission workflows through large language models (LLMs), retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and modern software engineering. As a Senior Applied AI Engineer - Software Engineering, you will design and develop AI-powered applications that enable analysts and operators to interact with complex mission data using natural language and intelligent automation. You will work directly with mission customers to understand operational challenges, rapidly prototype solutions, and transition successful capabilities into production. Our team emphasizes practical AI, rapid iteration, and customer collaboration over lengthy development cycles. This position is ideal for an experienced software engineer who enjoys building scalable AI systems while shaping technical direction across the team.
  • Design, develop, and maintain production AI-enabled software applications using Python and modern software engineering practices.
  • Architect and implement LLM-powered workflows, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines, and AI agent capabilities that solve mission problems.
  • Develop backend services, APIs, and data pipelines supporting AI-enabled applications.
  • Translate natural language user requests into deterministic analytical workflows through integration with mission data sources, databases, and search platforms.
  • Collaborate directly with mission stakeholders to understand operational workflows and rapidly prototype customer-focused AI solutions.
  • Integrate structured and unstructured data from multiple sources into scalable AI applications.
  • Evaluate emerging AI frameworks, models, and software engineering techniques for mission applicability.
  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical architecture, engineering standards, and software design across the team.

Position Required Skills:
  • Production software development experience using Python.
  • Experience designing and developing distributed or backend software systems.
  • Experience building AI-enabled applications using LLMs, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), AI agents, or similar technologies.
  • Experience developing REST APIs and integrating multiple data sources.
  • Experience working with SQL, Elasticsearch, or other data storage technologies.
  • Strong understanding of software architecture, object-oriented design, and software engineering best practices.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Experience collaborating directly with mission customers to understand requirements and deliver operational solutions.

Nice to Haves
  • Experience with Model Context Protocol (MCP), PydanticAI, LangChain, LlamaIndex, or similar AI frameworks.
  • Experience deploying applications using Docker, Kubernetes, or containerized environments.
  • Experience with React, TypeScript, Gradio, or modern web application development.
  • Experience designing agentic AI workflows or multi-step reasoning systems.
  • Experience supporting classified mission environments.
  • Experience leading software engineering teams or technical projects.

SWE3 Qualifications:

YOE Requirement: 12 yrs., B.S. in a technical discipline or 4 additional yrs. in place of B.S.

Salary Range: $232k-$283k (Annually)

The range displayed above is a likely salary range for this position. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possible contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.

Akina is a Woman Owned, Service Disabled, Veteran Owned, Small Business, looking for talented and ambitious individuals to join our team. We offer a generous compensation package that includes 24 days PTO accrued annually and 11 federal holidays. Our 401k is 100% vested on your start date and the company makes a direct contribution worth 10% of your salary. Akina covers 100% of healthcare costs for employees and 50% toward dependents. We offer educational assistance towards college classes and will cover costs associated with job related training and certifications.

Akina is committed to excellence and creating innovative and flexible solutions for our clients. We are a small company with an open ear to our employees' needs in order to attract and retain quality talent that enables our customer's mission.

www.akina-inc.com/careers

About Akina, Inc.

Akina, Inc. Careers

Joining Akina, Inc. presents an unparalleled opportunity to become part of a leading team of professionals dedicated to pioneering innovation and leadership in the industry. Akina, Inc. stands out as a beacon of growth and diversity, offering a range of job opportunities that cater to ambitious individuals looking to make a significant impact.

Explore Career Opportunities

Akina, Inc. offers a variety of positions that challenge and foster the skills of its team members, from entry-level to senior leadership roles. Each position at Akina, Inc. is designed to enhance professional development and promote career advancement.

Internship Programs

Akina, Inc. believes in nurturing talent from the ground up. Internship programs at Akina, Inc. provide invaluable industry experience and a stepping stone to full-time employment. Interns work alongside seasoned professionals and are integral to the team, contributing to projects that push the boundaries of technology and service.

Professional Growth and Development

Career growth at Akina, Inc. is not just a possibility—it is a priority. With comprehensive diversity training and leadership development programs, employees are equipped with the tools needed to succeed and lead. Akina, Inc. supports its team members with resources and training that propel their careers forward.

Benefits and Culture

The culture at Akina, Inc. is built on a foundation of respect and inclusivity, ensuring a supportive workplace where ideas thrive and innovation flourishes. Employees enjoy a competitive package of benefits that underscores the company’s commitment to their well-being and professional growth.

Networking and Professional Development

Akina, Inc. actively encourages its team to engage in networking and professional development opportunities. These interactions foster a collaborative environment and open doors to myriad career advancement paths within the company.

Hiring Process

The hiring process at Akina, Inc. is thorough and designed to identify candidates who are not only skilled but who also align with the company’s values and culture. Prospective employees can expect a process that includes a detailed interview, review of their resume, and discussions about how their expertise can contribute to the team at Akina, Inc.

Join the Akina, Inc. Team

Discover the exciting career and internship opportunities at Akina, Inc. by exploring open positions that match your skills and interests. Akina, Inc. is looking for passionate, curious, and innovative team players ready to contribute to a leading company.

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