Software Application SME - J56

Apogee has an exciting new opportunity for an AI Prototyping Engineer in support of United States Strategic Command. This position is not simply about producing code quickly. It is about using AI and software tools to reduce uncertainty, test ideas, and help the organization make better product and technology decisions. Prototypes should be fast, but they should also be purposeful, understandable, and safe.

This is a full-time position located at Offutt AFB, NE

• Translate mission requirements from the customer and operational problems into rapid software concepts and prototypes.
• Use AI coding tools to generate, modify, debug, test, deploy, and explain/train software.
• Build proof-of-concept web applications, internal tools, automations, dashboards, workflows, and integrations.
• Rapidly explore multiple product directions and compare their feasibility, value, and user experience.
• Work with product managers, designers, subject-matter experts, and end users to refine ideas.
• Create prototypes that are sufficiently realistic for user testing, demonstrations, and stakeholder feedback.
• Connect prototypes to APIs, databases, spreadsheets, SaaS platforms, and other data sources.
• Document prompts, technical decisions, assumptions, limitations, and follow-up recommendations.
• Identify when a prototype is ready to be handed over for production engineering.
• Apply appropriate standards for privacy, security, accessibility, reliability, and responsible AI use.
• Evaluate AI-generated code for correctness, maintainability, security vulnerabilities, and licensing concerns.
• Present prototypes and findings clearly to both technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Help establish repeatable methods, templates, and guardrails for AI-assisted software development.

Minimum Experience:

Citizenship: Must be a US citizen Clearance: Must possess and maintain a TS w/SCI eligibilityEducation: Bachelor's Degree in a relevant technical disciplineYears of Experience: Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience, including at least 5 years supporting the DoD

Additional Experience:

• Demonstrated ability to build working software prototypes quickly.
• Experience with AI-assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Claude, ChatGPT, Replit, Lovable, Bolt, or comparable platforms.
• Working knowledge of web technologies, APIs, databases, authentication, and version control.
• Strong problem-solving and product discovery skills.
• Ability to learn new platforms and technical concepts quickly.
• Good judgment about when to use a quick prototype, a low-code solution, or conventional software development.
• Ability to explain technical concepts, limitations, and risks in clear business language.
• Strong attention to detail when reviewing AI-generated outputs.
• A portfolio of prototypes, experiments, automations, or other examples of rapid software creation.

Preferred Qualifications:Clearance:Certifications:Education: Master's degree in a relevant technical disciplineYears of Experience: Minimum of 12 years of relevant experience, including at least 5 years supporting the DoD

Additional Experience:

• Experience with JavaScript or TypeScript, Python, SQL, or another practical programming language.
• Experience with modern frontend frameworks and cloud services.
• Familiarity with user research, usability testing, and design tools.
• Experience integrating large language models into applications.
• Knowledge of secure coding, data privacy, accessibility, and software testing.
• Experience working in a startup, innovation, consulting, product, or digital transformation environment.
• Experience taking prototypes from concept through production handoff.

Additional InformationLocation:  Offutt AFB, NEOn-site/Hybrid/Remote: On-SiteTravel: 10%