Software Design Engineer (AI)

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide. 

Cole Engineering Services (CESI), a By Light company, is recognized as a premier provider of modeling and simulation (M&S) training solutions to the Federal Government and industry. Since 2004, CESI has been at the forefront of developing, maintaining, and integrating simulation-based training, serious gaming, technical services, training and other support in live, virtual, constructive, and gaming (LVCG) domains.  CESI also designs, builds and runs infrastructure, platforms, applications and processes that enable cyber training for the integrated multi-domain force. Our vision is to become a worldwide full spectrum LVCG and cyber training/analysis developer, integrator and services provider.

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As an AI Software Engineer, you will be actively involved with the full software and machine learning lifecycle. You will be expected to support requirements analysis, conduct trade studies for model and framework selection, present AI design architectures, and implement solutions utilizing techniques like Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and model training or fine-tuning.

Solutions will be created from established requirements using robust engineering processes tailored for AI in production systems. This process will guide the selection, development, and evaluation of foundational models, AI agent platforms, and orchestration frameworks. Additionally, you must be able to independently complete detailed design and development work for individual AI components, establishing robust agent context and memory management capabilities.

Once individually developed, these components must seamlessly integrate into the broader products, frequently requiring integration with vector databases at the subsystem level. Following strict software and ML engineering standards is crucial for building reliable systems, particularly when applying advanced logic like reinforcement learning techniques. Comprehensive documentation of model behavior, integration points, and system architecture is expected throughout the entire effort.

You must also maintain a clear understanding of the project schedule and budget, ensuring all tasks—from initial model evaluation to production deployment—stay on track. Finally, as a senior member of the team, you may be responsible for providing technical oversight on AI integration to the broader development team and communicating directly with the customer to ensure AI capabilities align with their operational needs.

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline such as electrical engineering, computer science, information technology, systems or software engineering from an accredited college or university.
• 5+ years of experience designing and developing software modules for integration into large-scale systems and networks.
• Experience with software/hardware analysis and design, performance analysis, configuration and data management, quality assurance, and specification definition.
• Must be able to adhere to robust technical specifications and work both independently and as a member of a software development team.

• Proficiency with AI coding assistants and/or experience developing production-grade AI/ML agents.

Please note that pursuant to a government contract, this specific position requires U. S. Citizenship status with ability to obtain a TOP SECRET security clearance   Security Clearance requirements will be specified in the Government's Task Order.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. The above is intended to describe the general contents of and requirements for the performance of this job.

CESI recognizes that our strength is our people. We support every employee as an individual to build strong teams across the enterprise.  Our benefit package includes:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
• Wellness Program
• 401(k) Matching
• Disability (Short Term & Long Term)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance
• Education & Training
• Generous Leave Policy (11 Federal Holidays, PTO, Military Leave, Bereavement and Jury Duty)

Cole Engineering Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, membership in an employee organization, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local laws.