Entry-Level AI Systems Engineer [$177k/yr] TS/SCI-FS Poly with Security Clearance
The Entry-Level AI Systems Engineer will design, prototype, and integrate agentic AI solutions and large language models into mission reporting workflows, automating complex manual processes through multi-agent pipelines. This role involves developing, testing, and deploying AI-driven workflows, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring AI output accuracy within a secure, intelligence-focused environment with hybrid telework flexibility.
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, IT.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Position summary (brief)
Confidential Client is seeking an Entry-Level AI Systems Engineer to design, prototype, and integrate agentic AI solutions and large language models into mission workflows. This role works with multi-agent pipelines, LLMs, LangChain, Python and cloud services to automate complex manual processes and connect models to enterprise software via APIs. Candidates must already possess an active Top Secret/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph (TS/SCI-FS Poly) to be considered.
What You’ll Do
- Lead design and development of AI-driven, agentic solutions from prototype to deployment.
- Build and orchestrate multi-agent pipelines that support mission reporting and dissemination.
- Integrate foundation models and LLMs into production systems via RESTful APIs and orchestration frameworks.
- Design, test, and refine prompts and agent pipelines to automate manual mission workflows reliably.
- Implement evaluation, testing, and validation strategies for AI outputs to ensure accuracy and consistent handling of edge cases.
- Collaborate with software engineers, systems engineers, and domain experts to define and implement AI approaches.
- Monitor LLM and agentic AI advances and recommend opportunities to apply new capabilities.
Qualifications
- Active Top Secret/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph (required at application).
- Technical bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
- 0+ years relevant experience (entry-level / early-career).
- Hands-on familiarity with Python.
- Experience or strong interest in LangChain, LLMs, and agentic AI pipelines.
- Experience integrating services via RESTful APIs and working with cloud services.
- Strong ability to test, evaluate, and validate ML/AI outputs; attention to edge cases and reliability.
- Good collaboration and communication skills across cross-functional teams.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base salary (estimated): $177,000 per year.
- Total compensation noted as $177k+ yearly (tentative) in the source posting.
- Hybrid telework flexibility is supported; on-site work may be required depending on role needs.
- Employment is contingent on possession/transferability of required security clearance.
Location & Telework
- Location: Savage, MD (hybrid flexibility / telework supported).
- Employment subject to applicable federal and state employment laws.
About the Client
Confidential Client supports missions in the intelligence and national security space. This role contributes directly to operational mission workflows by delivering robust AI/ML integrations and automated reporting capabilities.
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.
Negotiate a higher salary! Check the salary ranges for this job type in your area.
View My Salary Range