Software Engineer 1

Software Engineer 1 at Akina, Inc. (onsite) focuses on building and validating AI-assisted tools to streamline readiness and certification workflows.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with training staff and stakeholders to capture requirements and identify process bottlenecks.
• Implement and test components of AI-driven solutions to streamline readiness and certification workflows, with guidance from senior engineers.
• Support AI harness configuration, including developing and maintaining custom Skills and Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers that connect AI workflows to organizational data and tools.
• Contribute across the delivery lifecycle, including prototyping, coding, testing, and shipping assigned features.
• Build and maintain automation scripts and tools using Python and Bash.
• Use AI tools to help draft, review, and maintain JQS and TQS documentation under direction from the training team.
• Produce clear technical documentation, user guides, and training materials to support adoption of new AI tools.
• Follow team coding standards, version control practices, and review processes.

Requirements

• Proficiency in at least one scripting or programming language, with Python or Bash preferred.
• Software engineering fundamentals, including Git, testing, and debugging.
• Basic understanding of operating systems and networking concepts.
• Familiarity with AI/LLM tools and an interest in automating routine tasks.
• Ability to write clear, organized technical documentation.
• Strong communication skills and willingness to learn from senior engineers and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).

Technologies

• AI, Python, Bash
• Git
• AI/LLM tools
• Skills, Model Context Protocol (MCP)
• JQS, TQS

Nice to Haves

• Knowledge of or exposure to CNE/CNO operations and cyber mission tradecraft.
• Experience or coursework with AI harnesses and agentic workflows, including Skills or MCP servers.
• Exposure to systems engineering concepts, from design through delivery.
• Experience with C++.
• Familiarity with LLM prompt engineering, evaluation, or Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG).
• Familiarity with web development frameworks (e.g., React, TypeScript) for user-facing tools.
• Experience or familiarity with TAO/CNO formalized training pipelines.
• Exposure to Job Qualification Standards (JQS) or other training and certification documents.

SWE1 Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience as a SWE in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related discipline from an accredited college or university.
• Four (4) additional years of SWE experience on similar software process projects may substitute for a bachelor’s degree.

Clearance

• TS/SCI - Polygraph required

Location

• Columbia, MD (onsite)

Salary

• USD 169,000 - 207,000 per year
• Compensation may vary based on experience, geographic location, and possible contractual requirements.

Benefits

• 24 days PTO accrued annually
• 11 federal holidays
• 401k is 100% vested on your start date
• Company direct contribution worth 10% of your salary
• Healthcare covered: Akina covers 100% of employee healthcare costs
• Dependents healthcare: 50% toward dependents healthcare costs
• Educational assistance towards college classes
• Akina will cover costs associated with job-related training and certifications