Software Engineer; Hybrid

Job Description

Enlighten is a cutting‑edge technology company dedicated to developing innovative software solutions for our clients. We are seeking an experienced Software Engineer to join our AI Integration team, building foundational AI integration frameworks that support enterprise‑grade AI solutions.

Salary range: $ – $. Other compensation may be discussed during the interview process.

• Strong working knowledge and experience developing Java‑based software capabilities.
• Design and develop foundational AI frameworks, including internal APIs, middleware, and routing layers that allow other systems to securely utilize AI capabilities.
• Build Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers and a library of reusable skills that enable AI models to safely interact with internal databases, microservices, and external APIs.
• Implement strict enterprise AI guardrails, ensuring data privacy, sensitive data scrubbing, prompt injection defenses, and output validation to meet stringent security requirements.
• Demonstrate inquisitive nature, responsiveness, and excellent testing skills, including interest in automated testing pipelines for non‑deterministic AI outputs.
• Possess strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to work under pressure with multiple deadlines.
• Work in a fast‑paced, small business environment with a talented team.
• Other duties as assigned.

• U.S. citizenship required. Current U.S. Government Security clearance is not required on day 1; candidates with current Secret or TS level clearance will be considered.
• 5+ years of experience in Software Engineering, Modern Java Frameworks and Libraries (e.g., Spring, Guava), Bachelor’s in a related field; OR 3 years relevant experience with Master’s in a related field; OR High School Diploma or equivalent and 9 years relevant experience.
• Hands‑on experience or strong aptitude for integrating commercial LLM APIs (e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic) or open‑source models into backend applications.
• Demonstrated understanding of modern applied AI concepts such as prompt engineering, function‑calling/tool‑use, and Retrieval‑Augmented Generation (RAG).
• Experience designing enterprise APIs.
• Experience with RESTful web services.
• Experience with Microservices architecture.
• Experience with Object‑Oriented Programming (OOP) paradigms.
• Experience using agile software lifecycle.
• Experience with configuration management tools (e.g., Git, Nexus, Maven).
• Comfortable working on a Linux command line.
• Proven ability to learn quickly and work independently and within a team.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to review information and compile data appropriately.
• Ability to work in a hybrid environment, spending 1–2 days per week at the Columbia, MD office; flexibility to adapt schedule changes as needed.

• Familiarity with Java‑based AI integration frameworks (e.g., Spring AI, LangChain4j) or Python equivalents (Lang Chain, Llama Index).
• Experience with Vector Databases, semantic caching, and AI observability tools.
• Experience with NiFi, Kafka, AWS infrastructure, and Kubernetes.
• Experience with cloud‑based technologies (AWS, Azure).
• Experience with SQL databases (Postgres, MySQL), distributed databases, No
  
  SQL databases.
• Scripting experience (particularly Python) is a advantage.
• Prior experience or familiarity with the company’s Big Data Platform is a plus.
• Understanding of agile software development methodologies and use of standard software development tool suites (e.g., JIRA, Confluence, Git Hub).
• DoD 8140 / 8570 IAT Level II compliance certifications may be required in this position as directed by the customer.

• 100% paid employee premium for healthcare, vision and dental plans.
• 10% 401(k) benefit.
• Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays.
• Education and training allowances.

For additional benefits and perks, visit