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AI Software Engineer - Clearable

Bestgate Engineering is looking for Software Engineers focused on AI Integration to help build the secure foundation that enables mission applications to safely leverage modern AI capabilities. Rather than training models from scratch, this role is centered on engineering scalable, enterprise grade AI frameworks, APIs, and integration layers using commercial and open source LLM technologies. You will help create reusable AI capabilities that other engineering teams can confidently deploy across complex mission environments.

What You Will Do

• Help build the secure AI foundation that mission applications will rely on. This is not a model training role. Instead, you will engineer the “paved road” that allows enterprise systems to safely and seamlessly leverage modern AI capabilities.
• Design and develop Java based AI integration frameworks, middleware, APIs, routing layers, and reusable service patterns that connect AI models to mission systems securely.
• Build Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers, reusable AI skills, tool interfaces, and function calling frameworks that enable AI models to interact safely with databases, APIs, microservices, and internal platforms.

Required Skills

• Strong Java software engineering experience using modern frameworks and libraries such as Spring, Guava, or similar ecosystems.
• Experience designing and developing RESTful APIs, backend services, and microservices architectures.
• Hands on experience, or strong aptitude, working with LLM APIs, prompt engineering, function calling/tool usage, agentic workflows, Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), or applied AI integration patterns.
• Experience with object oriented programming principles, secure software engineering practices, Git, Maven, Linux command line environments, and agile software development.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical thinking, and problem solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team oriented environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 5+ years of relevant experience; OR Master’s degree with 3+ years of relevant experience; OR High School Diploma/equivalent with 9+ years of relevant experience.
• U.S. citizenship is required due to the nature of the work and eligibility requirements for obtaining and maintaining a U.S. Government security clearance. Candidates with current Secret or Top Secret clearances are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Must be comfortable working in a hybrid environment with approximately 1 to 2 days per week onsite in Columbia, MD.

Desired Skills

• Experience with Java AI integration frameworks such as Spring AI or LangChain4j, or Python AI frameworks such as LangChain or LlamaIndex.
• Experience with vector databases, semantic caching, AI observability platforms, or AI orchestration tooling.
• Experience with AWS, Azure, Kubernetes, Kafka, NiFi, or cloud native distributed systems.
• Experience with SQL, NoSQL, distributed databases, or large scale data platforms.
• Python scripting experience, especially within AI or automation workflows.
• Familiarity with agile development tools such as Jira, Confluence, GitHub, or YouTrack.
• Experience supporting secure or classified environments.
• DoD 8140 / 8570 IAT Level II certifications may be required based on customer direction.

Salary Range:
$135,000 - 195,000

*The provided salary range is an approximation based on current market data and may vary. The final offer will be determined after carefully considering the candidate’s skills, experience, and qualifications as they relate to the position. This range is intended as a reference point and is subject to change.

Why Bestgate?
Bestgate Engineering isn’t just any tech company—we’re on the front lines, delivering cutting-edge solutions that support mission-critical work for government customers and the military. Whether it’s cloud-native technologies, software modernization, embedded engineering, high-performance computing, or data science, we’re making an impact where it matters most.

At Bestgate, we believe in putting people first—our employees and our customers. That’s why our core values—employee focus, transparency, reliability, and excellence—drive everything we do!

Benefits Overview

• PTO: Starting at 31 days with options to increase or decrease for personal needs.
• 401k: 7% gift, fully vested from day one!
• Free Medical, Dental, Vision: Coverage for employees and dependents.
• $5,000 in Training: For certifications, conferences, and continued learning.
• End-of-Year Bonuses: Recognizing your hard work.
• Morale-Building Hours: 8 hours annually for team-building activities.

Plus, flexibility, internal mobility programs, career pathing, engaged leadership, and a robust external referral program.
**Equal Opportunity Employer**
Bestgate is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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