Shawky Engineering is hiring a full-time Software Engineer - 3 (CNO Tactical AI) in Columbia, Maryland. This position pays $275,000 per year and focuses on production AI applications, large language models (LLMs), retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), AI agents, Python, APIs, and mission data. Active TS/SCI Clearance with Full Scope Polygraph is required. REQUIREMENT: Active TS/SCI Clearance with Full Scope Polygraph Are you tired of being underpaid or stuck on work that doesn’t matter? At Shawky Engineering, we build AI solutions that directly support real-world operational needs on the most mission-essential contract in CNO. Our work is fast-paced, high-impact, and delivered by a small, elite team. We operate with a lean infrastructure—no unnecessary layers, no red tape. That means: • Above-market compensation tied to performance. • Minimal meetings, maximum time spent building. • Your work ships fast and matters immediately. We intentionally stay small to preserve agility and ensure every team member is highly valued and highly compensated. WHAT YOU’LL DO This opening is for a CNO Tactical AI Software Engineer. It is an amazing opportunity to be at the forefront of AI in CNO in a direct, customer-facing role. Join a fast-moving Tactical AI team developing production-quality AI applications that accelerate mission workflows through large language models (LLMs), retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and modern software engineering. As a Senior Applied AI Engineer – Software Engineering, you will design and develop AI-powered applications that enable analysts and operators to interact with complex mission data using natural language and intelligent automation. You will work directly with mission customers to understand operational challenges, rapidly prototype solutions, and transition successful capabilities into production. Our team emphasizes practical AI, rapid iteration, and customer collaboration over lengthy development cycles. This position is ideal for an experienced software engineer who enjoys building scalable AI systems while shaping technical direction across the team. WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR • Deep technical expertise across AI/ML, Python software engineering, Linux systems, and CNO, with experience leveraging modern AI development tools such as Claude Code. • Expertise in architecting scalable, high-impact solutions. • Strong ability to rapidly diagnose and resolve complex issues in production environments. • Seasoned customer service skills: engaging high-level stakeholders, translating requirements, and prototyping and demonstrating MVP capabilities. DAILY RESPONSIBILITIES • Design, develop, and maintain production AI-enabled software applications using Python and modern software engineering practices. • Architect and implement LLM-powered workflows, RAG pipelines, and AI agent capabilities that solve mission problems. • Develop backend services, APIs, and data pipelines supporting AI-enabled applications. • Translate natural-language user requests into deterministic analytical workflows through integration with mission data sources, databases, and search platforms. • Collaborate directly with mission stakeholders to understand operational workflows and rapidly prototype customer-focused AI solutions. • Integrate structured and unstructured data from multiple sources into scalable AI applications. • Evaluate emerging AI frameworks, models, and software engineering techniques for mission applicability. • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical architecture, engineering standards, and software design across the team. SKILLS REQUIREMENTS • Production software development experience using Python. • Experience designing and developing distributed or backend software systems. • Experience building AI-enabled applications using LLMs, RAG, AI agents, or similar technologies. • Experience developing REST APIs and integrating multiple data sources. • Experience working with SQL, Elasticsearch, or other data storage technologies. • Strong understanding of software architecture, object-oriented design, and software engineering best practices. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. • Ability to communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. • Experience collaborating directly with mission customers to understand requirements and deliver operational solutions. NICE TO HAVES • Experience with Model Context Protocol (MCP), PydanticAI, LangChain, LlamaIndex, or similar AI frameworks. • Experience deploying applications using Docker, Kubernetes, or containerized environments. • Experience with React, TypeScript, Gradio, or modern web application development. • Experience designing agentic AI workflows or multi-step reasoning systems. • Experience supporting classified mission environments. • Experience leading software engineering teams or technical projects. WHY SHAWKY ENGINEERING We don’t manufacture culture. It’s built by solving hard problems and delivering mission wins—together. If you want to do your life’s work—and be paid what you’re worth—reach out to us today at careers@shawkyengineering.com. BENEFITS • Above-market compensation. • 10% 401(k) retirement gift, immediately vested with every paycheck. • Six weeks of PTO per year. • Excellent medical plans for you and your family, including HSA options. • 100% company-paid dental benefits. • 100% company-paid vision benefits. • 100% company-paid term life insurance. • 100% company-paid short-term disability. • 100% company-paid long-term disability. • 100% company-paid AD&D insurance. • 100% company-paid training, based on approval. • Guaranteed annual performance review to increase your pay. • Mission-essential contract—you won’t be sitting home unpaid during the next furlough. REQUIREMENTS • Active TS/SCI Clearance with Full Scope Polygraph. WORK LOCATION • In person in Columbia, Maryland.