Junior Developer, AI Harness Development

About the Role

We are hiring a Junior Software Developer to join our multi-disciplinary team developing a breadth of solutions across our portfolio. This position is a junior role focused on AI Harness Development with room to grow. You will contribute to the architecture and execution of high-visibility systems, engaging in projects that will expose and challenge you across the following technical areas:

• Complex AI/ML Service Integration & Agentic System Design
• Advanced UX Designs, Agentic Framework Implementation Models and Tools
• Integration with MCP Frameworks for Data, Identity, Cost and Cyber Security Controls
• Advanced System Architecture & Full-Stack Software Engineering
• Enterprise-Grade Cloud Infrastructure, Automation, and CI/CD Pipelines
• Multi-Platform Enterprise Integration (e.g., ServiceNow, Salesforce, Splunk, Custom Ecosystems)

Key Responsibilities

• Implement comprehensive end-to-end architectures, ensuring seamless, high-performance integration between modern UI frameworks, backend services, cloud infrastructure, and advanced AI/ML capabilities.
• Partner closely with PIs, strategic planners, and executive stakeholders to conceptualize, scope, and execute strategic technical pathways.
• Champion Agentic Frameworks in the CI/CD workflow. Develop automated testing, application performance optimization, token optimization, anti-hallucination harnesses and rigorous software practices to eliminate deployment friction and technical debt.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• AI Harness Engineering: Develop operational models for solving modern AI (LLM, SLM, Harness) design addressing complex government workflows, data engineering requirements, and broad compliance requirements.
• Software Engineering Principles: Expertise in multiple languages (such as Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, Rust, Java, or C++), microservices architecture, cloud to embedded and distributed systems design.
• Proven Architecture Experience: Extensive hands-on background integrating complex software components, cloud services, databases, and third-party APIs or Large & Small Language Model workflows.
• DevSecOps & Infrastructure Leadership: Comprehensive understanding of containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), Infrastructure-as-Code (Terraform, Ansible), and enterprise-grade CI/CD pipelines. Design for accreditation and deployment is key.
• Collaborative Leadership: Demonstrated success in technical teams, partnering with research or product stakeholders, and elevating the capabilities of surrounding engineers.
• Track Record: History of success in teams, delivery of viable systems from start to finish, adapting to changing tools and frameworks. Be prepared to share lessons learned.
• AI-First Technologist: Operate at the frontier of AI-assisted engineering and agentic workflows, utilizing LLMs and modern automation frameworks to redefine how enterprise software is conceptualized and built.
• Adaptable Visionary: Unfazed by ambiguity; capable of taking a high-level strategic objective and breaking it down into an actionable, highly scalable engineering roadmap.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, related field or equivalent high-impact practical experience.
• Professional software development experience, with a proven track record of designing and delivering complex, distributed software systems.
• Experience executing rapid-cycle R&D.
• Strong understanding of AI/ML frameworks.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. TS/SCI Preferred.
• Fluency in at least two of the following: Software Engineering, AI Harness Engineering, Cybersecurity, Systems Engineering, Hardware/Firmware/Embedded Systems.

Working Conditions

• Onsite in McLean, VA. Flexible work and time options.
• Occasional travel to other BAE Systems sites, partner facilities, and stakeholder meetings.

Pay Information

• Full-Time Salary Range: $97008 - $164914
• Note: This range is based on market pay structures. Individual salaries are determined by factors including business considerations, local market conditions, internal equity, and candidate qualifications (skills, education, experience).

Employee Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health savings accounts
• 401(k) savings plan
• Disability coverage
• Life and accident insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Legal plan
• Discounts on home, auto, and pet insurance
• Paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental, military, bereavement, and applicable federal and state sick leave
• Company recognition program for monetary or non-monetary recognition awards