Mission Integration Engineer, AI (Starshield)

About the role

The Starshield data applications team creates mission-critical AI software for national security, focusing on earth observation and communications. You will build and deploy LLM-powered tools while managing the full lifecycle of software development for government and enterprise users. In this capacity, you act as the primary liaison between specialized mission needs and robust technical implementation. You will own the translation of complex user requirements into scalable software architectures. Furthermore, you are responsible for ensuring that deployed solutions meet the stringent reliability and security standards required by defense clients. You will collaborate closely with engineering and product teams to iterate on design and functionality. Ultimately, your work will enable immersive data interaction capabilities for users in both office and remote field settings.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Architect and develop full-stack software solutions to manage AI content interaction systems for diverse end users.
• Engineer rapid prototypes to validate technical designs, define system constraints, and de-risk implementation strategies.
• Craft user-focused interfaces that deliver immersive earth observation capabilities tailored for both office workstations and rugged field environments.
• Orchestrate end-to-end software projects, guiding initiatives from initial requirement gathering through prototyping to stable production deployment.
• Implement robust integrations between frontend user experiences and backend data processing pipelines.
• Optimize application performance and reliability to support demanding operational workflows in critical scenarios.
• Conduct thorough analysis of user workflows to identify opportunities for automation and enhanced functionality.
• Partner with security and compliance teams to ensure all software artifacts adhere to strict government and enterprise protocols.
• Utilize advanced debugging techniques to resolve complex technical issues across the entire software stack.
• Mentor junior engineers on best practices for building scalable and maintainable data-centric applications.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor degree in computer science, data science, physics, mathematics, or an engineering field.
• Demonstrate professional experience writing Python applications in production environments.
• Show proficiency with Javascript libraries including React, Angular, or Redux for modern frontend development.
• Maintain an active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance to access classified information.
• Be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee to meet ITAR requirements for sensitive work.
• Exhibit a willingness to work weekends and extended hours as dictated by project milestones and mission needs.
• Possess strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.
• Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders to ensure alignment on project goals.

Nice to have

• Bring experience with web services and distributed applications deployed in cloud or on-premise networks.
• Contribute background in Linux server environments, including configuration, scripting, and secure SSH administration.
• Leverage familiarity with Kubernetes or similar container orchestration platforms for deployment management.
• Apply knowledge of RAG pipelines, tool callers, and AI orchestration techniques to enhance system capabilities.
• Draw on experience with Vector databases or high-performance database implementation for data-intensive workloads.
• Utilize skills in Model Context Protocol, image data processing, machine learning, or graphics-intensive web development.

Skills & tools

• Python, Javascript, React, Angular, Redux, Linux, Kubernetes, LLMs, RAG, Vector databases.

Practical notes

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Salary: Level I ($100,000 to $115,000) or Level II ($110,000 to $135,000) annually.

• Active clearances receive a 10 percent differential (up to $20,000) once briefed into a classified program.
• Total rewards include company stock, stock options, long-term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life insurance, disability insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks of vacation, and 10 or more paid holidays.
• All employment is contingent upon passing pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing if working on sensitive missions.
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the country where the position is located.
• This role is based in a facility that may require security protocols for access.
• Work hours are determined by project requirements and may involve shift operations.
• Relocation support may be considered for qualified candidates in specific circumstances.
• The company participates in E-Verify in the applicable location.
• All provided information is subject to internal verification and background checks.