AI Software Engineer II
The AI Software Engineer II role involves designing, developing, and deploying AI-enabled automation solutions integrating large language model services and engineering tools within aerospace and defense workflows. The position requires expertise in containerized environments, orchestration frameworks, and CI/CD pipelines to support scalable, secure, and maintainable AI applications onsite in Chandler, AZ, with a focus on operational reliability and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Defense and Space Manufacturing.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Overview
Confidential Client is seeking an AI Software Engineer II to design, build, and support LLM-enabled automation and agent orchestration solutions for mission-critical environments. This is a 12-month W2 contract role based onsite in Chandler, AZ. The role requires U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD Secret security clearance.
What You’ll Do
- Design, develop, test, document, and debug AI-enabled automation that integrates LLM services, APIs, and engineering tools into operational workflows.
- Build, deploy, and maintain agent orchestration frameworks and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) solutions, including integration with vector databases and enterprise data sources.
- Develop and operate containerized applications (Docker or comparable) in on-premise and classified environments; cloud exposure is valued.
- Create and maintain CI/CD pipelines, version-control practices, and automated deployment workflows for reliable delivery of AI tools.
- Troubleshoot and resolve integration, performance, and availability issues; improve observability and maintainability of deployed systems.
- Collaborate with software, DevOps, infrastructure, and mission stakeholders to identify automation opportunities and transition solutions into production.
- Communicate technical work clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Location & Terms
- Work location: Onsite — Chandler, AZ
- Duration: 12 months
- Terms: W2 Contract (CONTRACTOR)
- Clearance & Authorization: U.S. Citizen required; must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD Secret clearance
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree + 2 years professional experience, OR Master’s/PhD + 1 year professional experience.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience integrating and deploying LLM-enabled applications (model hosting, agentic workflows, RAG, inference considerations).
- Experience with Docker or comparable container technologies.
- Strong software development skills in Python or Go (Golang), including debugging and testing.
- Working knowledge of CI/CD, version control, and automated deployment practices.
- Hands-on experience in Linux environments (scripting and system configuration).
- Experience integrating APIs, LLM services, and agent orchestration frameworks into applications or operational workflows.
- Experience with RAG pipelines and vector databases.
- Ability to work onsite in Chandler, AZ and meet U.S. security requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with orchestration platforms such as Kubernetes or OpenShift.
- Familiarity with LangChain, Mastra, or comparable toolchains.
- Experience with advanced fine-tuning and inference optimization (may be developed on the job).
- Experience supporting AI/ML applications in classified/on-premises containerized environments.
- Familiarity with tools such as GitLab, Jenkins, or similar platforms.
Why Join (What We Offer)
- Work on mission-driven AI projects in the Defense and Space Manufacturing sector.
- Opportunity to design and scale LLM/agent-based solutions in classified and large-scale environments.
- Collaborative environment with cross-functional teams and meaningful impact on operational workflows.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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