Applied AI Engineer

Join to apply for the Applied AI Engineer role at Visionist, Inc.

Active Top Secret (TS/SCI) Clearance With Polygraph is required.

Visionist has an exciting new, fully funded opportunity for an Applied AI Engineer on our largest PRIME contract. Our team of Analysts and Engineers is motivated by the direct impact on the mission, crafting specialized tools for enhanced efficiency and quick iterations for our operations user base. This premier program encompasses traditional software services including Systems Design and Engineering, Database Administration, Data Science and Knowledge Management, Enterprise Risk Management, Integration and Test, as well as Operations and Systems Support.

For over 14 years, Visionist has been solving the Intelligence Community’s toughest software and analysis challenges. As a 100% employee–owned company, we prioritize our people—your job security is assured. Our open‑door leadership team fosters a supportive culture, where internal growth and promotion opportunities are the norm. Check out our 4.8‑star review on Glassdoor.

• Rapidly prototype AI‑powered tools and integrations that enhance cyber operations capabilities
• Build and deploy agentic systems using modern orchestration frameworks such as Lang Graph, CrewAI, or similar tools
• Create custom integrations that extend AI functionality into existing security and infrastructure ecosystems
• Develop Python applications that leverage multiple AI models and APIs in production
• Partner directly with cyber analysts to understand workflows and identify automation opportunities with mission impact
• Experiment with frontier models and techniques, quickly evaluating their operational viability
• Build robust API integrations that connect AI capabilities to data sources and security tooling
• Iterate rapidly based on user feedback, often shipping multiple improvements daily
• Document novel approaches and contribute to the team's knowledge base
• Build and maintain a library of reusable AI components and design patterns to accelerate future development

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline (Four years of experience may substitute degree)
• 3+ years of software development experience
• Strong proficiency in Python
• Hands‑on experience building production‑grade AI applications
• Familiarity with modern AI frameworks and tooling (e.g., Pydantic AI, Lang Chain, Llama Index, or agent frameworks)
• Experience developing and integrating APIs (REST, Graph
  
  QL, or streaming APIs)
• Understanding of prompt engineering, structured outputs, and tool/function calling
• Strong debugging skills and ability to troubleshoot non‑deterministic AI behavior
• Proficiency with Git and collaborative development workflows
• Self‑directed learner who thrives in fast‑paced, evolving technical environments
• Enthusiasm for exploring frontier AI and mission technology
• U.S. citizenship required (green card holders and permanent residents are not eligible); applicants selected will be required to obtain / maintain a government security clearance

• 100% employee‑owned company – employees have a stake in overall success
• Competitive 15% retirement contribution (5% 401K match & 10% ESOP)
• 4 weeks paid time off (never “use or lose”), 12 paid holidays, comp time, overtime, and flexible work hours
• 80 hours of paid parental leave with an additional $8,000 supplemental payment upon returning from maternity
• Medical, dental, & vision benefits for both individuals and families (those who waive medical benefits receive an additional $4,160/year)
• Annual lifestyle bonus of $600
• Annual merit increases & performance‑based bonuses
• Term life insurance, short‑term disability & long‑term disability

Salary range: $115,000 - $160,000

Disclaimer: Salary for this position, along with additional compensation options, will be determined on an individual basis following the interview process, considering factors such as years of experience, skills, education/certifications, contract specifications, market conditions, etc.

Not a good fit? Check out our other opportunities:

Next steps:
Apply online and one of our recruiters will reach out to you. We have a streamlined process of phone screen with a recruiter, interview with a Visionist team at our HQ in Columbia, MD, and that is all!

Visionist, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities employer.