Senior Software Engineer; Hybrid

Senior Software Engineer (Hybrid) - 28022

Location: Columbia, MD, Maryland, United States

Enlighten is a leader in big data solution development and deployment, with expertise in cloud-based services, software and systems engineering, cyber capabilities, and data science.

Our hybrid work approach ensures that you can collaborate in‑person while having flexibility to work from home.

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

Anticipated Salary Range: $–$.

We are seeking a Software Engineer focused on AI Integration. You will design, develop, and implement foundational AI integration frameworks, building secure, enterprise‑grade solutions such as Model Context Protocol servers, reusable AI skills, and safety guardrails.

Engineers will work with modern backend engineering and applied AI, staying up‑to‑date with latest developments and collaborating to deliver high‑quality, secure software solutions.

#LI-DS1 #Mid‑Senior Level

• Strong working knowledge and experience developing Java‑based software.
• Design and develop foundational AI frameworks, including internal APIs, middleware, and routing layers.
• Build Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers and a library of reusable “skills” for safe AI interaction.
• Implement strict enterprise AI guardrails, ensuring data privacy, data scrubbing, prompt injection defenses, and output validation.
• Have an inquisitive nature, responsiveness, and excellent testing skills, including automated testing pipelines for non‑deterministic AI outputs.
• Transition between hands‑on execution and team guidance, mentoring and leadership.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to work under pressure with multiple deadlines.
• Work in a fast‑paced, small‑business environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Security Clearance: U.S. Government Clearance desired but not required; U.S. Citizenship required.
• 9 years experience in Software Engineering, Modern Java Frameworks and Libraries (e.g., Spring, Guava) with a Bachelor’s degree; or 7 years experience with a Master’s degree; or High School Diploma with 13 years experience.
• Applied AI experience integrating commercial LLM APIs 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 in RESTful web services.
• Experience in Microservices architecture.
• Experience in Object‑Oriented Programming (OOP) paradigms.
• Experience with agile software lifecycle.
• Experience with configuration management tools (e.g., Git, Nexus, Maven).
• Comfortable working on a Linux command line.
• Demonstrated experience as a tech lead, mentor, or manager for engineering teams.
• Proven ability to learn quickly and work well independently and in a team.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to review and compile data appropriately.
• Must be able to work in a hybrid environment, spending 1–2 days per week at the Columbia, MD office.

• Familiarity with Java‑based AI integration frameworks (e.g., Spring AI, LangChain4j) or Python equivalents.
• Experience with vector databases, semantic caching, and AI observability tools.
• Experience with NiFi, Kafka, AWS infrastructure, and Kubernetes.
• Experience with cloud technologies (AWS, Azure).
• Experience in SQL databases (Postgres, MySQL), distributed databases, and No
  
  SQL databases.
• Scripting experience (particularly Python).
• Prior experience or familiarity with our Big Data Platform.
• Understanding of agile software development methodologies and use of standard development tools (e.g., JIRA, Confluence, You Track, Git Hub).