Software Engineer 1 - (Python, Kafka, Elasticsearch)

Akina, Inc.$163K — $199K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 3+ years of software development experience, primarily with Python.
  • Experience maintaining production applications serving hundreds to thousands of users.
  • Familiarity with AI development, including prompt engineering and context management.
  • Knowledge of developing resilient stream processing applications using tools like Apache Kafka.
  • Experience with AI coding assistants for various coding tasks.

Responsibilities

  • Develop agentic integrations using Python that connect multiple AI models and data sources.
  • Build tools and workflows within frameworks like PydanticAI and Langgraph.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to identify automation opportunities in operational workflows.
  • Design real-time analytics pipelines using Python, Kafka, and Elasticsearch.
  • Maintain and troubleshoot a production-grade agentic platform.

Benefits

  • 24 days of PTO accrued annually and 11 federal holidays.
  • 401k plan with 100% vesting upon start and a 10% direct contribution from the company.
  • 100% healthcare coverage for employees and 50% for dependents.
  • Educational assistance for college classes and job-related training/certifications.
Full Job Description
Software Engineer 1 - (Python, Kafka, Elasticsearch)

Clearance: TS/SCI - Polygraph required
Position ID: 20-16-019-SWE1
Location: Columbia, Maryland

Description:

We are seeking a Software Engineer to build and advance a cutting-edge agentic platform designed to power intelligent, autonomous workflows. In this role, you will integrate diverse data sources and external APIs with MCP tools to enable seamless, scalable system interoperability. You will collaborate closely with cyber analysts to translate operational challenges into effective technical solutions. The position involves hands-on development with agentic primitives such as skills, prompts, and subagents to create adaptive and context-aware capabilities. This is an opportunity to work at the forefront of AI-driven systems, shaping how agents operate, learn, and deliver impact in complex environments.
  • Develop agentic integrations with Python that leverage multiple AI models, APIs, and data sources in production.
  • Build tools and agentic workflows within modern frameworks like PydanticAI, Langgraph, and DeepAgents.
  • Work directly with key stakeholders and cyber analysts to understand operational workflows and identify high-impact automation opportunities.
  • Design and implement real-time analytics pipelines in Python leveraging Apache Kafka for stream processing and Elasticsearch for indexing and querying.
  • Maintain and troubleshoot a production grade agentic platform.

Position Required Skills:
  • Software development experience with strong Python proficiency.
  • Hands on experience building and maintaining production applications servicing hundreds to thousands of users.
  • Understanding of AI development concepts, including prompt engineering, context management, structured outputs, and tool/function calling.
  • Experience developing resilient, scalable stream processing applications using modern messaging and event-streaming platforms.
  • Experience leveraging AI coding assistants for code generation, refactoring, debugging, and automation.

Nice to Haves
  • Experience with agentic workflows and multi-agent orchestration.
  • Background in cybersecurity or understanding of security operations workflows.
  • Managing deployments in AWS Cloud with Kubernetes.
  • Gitlab CICD automation.
  • Experience with retrieval systems (RAG, vector databases, semantic search).
  • Analyzing cyber security-related data sets (network traffic, OS events).
  • Knowledge of end-to-end SIGINT collection and analysis systems.
  • Experience with production CNO capabilities and operations.

SWE1 Qualifications:

YOE Requirement: 3 yrs., B.S. in a technical discipline or 4 additional yrs. in place of B.S.

Salary Range: $163k-$199k (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.

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.

Stay Connected with Akina, Inc. Careers

Stay informed with the latest career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights from Akina, Inc. Subscribe to receive updates on job alerts, news, and more, tailored to your career preferences.

SEARCH AKINA, INC. JOBS

READ CAREERS BLOG

Job Alert Emails

Customize your subscription to receive updates from Akina, Inc. that align with your career interests. Discover the rewarding opportunities that await at Akina, Inc., where every position is a chance to thrive.
Learn more about Akina, Inc.

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Akina, Inc.

More Information Technology Jobs

Find similar Software Engineer 1 - (Python, Kafka, Elasticsearch) jobs: