AI Engineer (Hybrid Remote - TS/SCI CI Poly)

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking an experienced AI Engineer to support mission-focused Intelligence Community programs. This role combines modern software engineering with advanced AI and Generative AI development, delivering scalable solutions that enhance mission outcomes and operational decision-making. The ideal candidate has experience building AI-powered applications, agentic AI systems, and cloud-native solutions within secure government environments.

Work Environment Hybrid role supporting Intelligence Community missions with 3 days onsite and 2 days remote each week. Candidates may work from Annapolis Junction, MD; Reston, VA; or Washington, DC, collaborating with software engineers, AI specialists, and mission stakeholders to deliver next-generation AI capabilities supporting national security objectives.

Responsibilities

• Design, prototype, and deploy AI-enabled applications supporting Intelligence Community mission requirements.
• Develop full-stack applications utilizing Next.js, TypeScript, FastAPI, Python, PostgreSQL, and OpenSearch.
• Build and maintain Generative AI and Agentic AI solutions using frameworks such as LangChain, Haystack, and LlamaIndex.
• Develop AI agents using tool integrations, context engineering, MCP frameworks, and agent-to-agent communication methodologies.
• Design and maintain APIs, backend services, and data pipelines supporting AI workloads.
• Deploy and support containerized applications using Docker and OpenShift.
• Implement prompt engineering strategies, prompt optimization, and prompt lifecycle management practices.
• Participate in architecture reviews, code reviews, testing efforts, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with mission stakeholders to identify AI use cases and translate operational needs into deployable solutions.
• Support the deployment and sustainment of secure AI capabilities within classified environments.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Software Engineering, or related technical field.
• 14+ years of experience developing software applications, AI solutions, or enterprise systems.
• Experience with at least one major Generative AI framework including LangChain, Haystack, or LlamaIndex.
• Experience developing Agentic AI systems and AI-assisted workflows.
• Strong understanding of prompt engineering and optimization techniques.
• Proficiency with Python, TypeScript, React, Next.js, and API development.
• Experience with PostgreSQL and modern data architectures.
• Hands-on experience with Docker and containerized application deployment.

• Strong communication skills and experience working directly with customers and stakeholders. Clearance Requirement

• Active TS/SCI Clearance with CI Polygraph required. Preferred

• Experience with AWS cloud services.
• Experience supporting production AI systems within classified, Intelligence Community, or DoD environments.
• Familiarity with AI observability tools such as LangSmith or Langfuse.
• Experience with Next.js AI SDK, FastMCP, and AI development tooling.
• Experience leveraging AI coding assistants and modern AI development frameworks.
• Experience supporting Agile software development organizations.
• Familiarity with cloud-native architectures, DevSecOps practices, and secure enterprise environments., * Level 5: BS with 14 years of experience or MS with 12 years of experience- $160,000 - $190,000
• Level 6: BS with 19 years of experience or MS with 17 years of experience - $195,000 - $225,000
• Benefits: Cigna medical, dental, vision, 401k, 20+ days PTO, 11 federal holidays, and sick leave as required by law