The Role
Design, develop, and deploy cloud-based software that integrates LLMs, semantic search, and RAG workflows. Build React single-page apps and Node.js/Express APIs, implement Elasticsearch and data pipelines for vector search, and work in a Lean Agile environment onsite while meeting security clearance requirements.
Summary Generated by Built In
REQUIRED: Active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph
LOCATION: Full-time, onsite in Chantilly, VA
We have an immediate need for a mission‑driven Software Engineer who thrives in modern Lean Agile environments and enjoys building high‑impact capabilities that blend cloud engineering, scalable search, and LLM‑powered workflows. You must understand cloud environments such as Azure or AWS and will work on designing, developing, and deploying software systems.
Who We Are:
Ardent Principles delivers cutting‑edge capabilities across data science, data engineering, software engineering, AI solutions, cybersecurity, staff augmentation, and IT program management. We thrive at the intersection of mission, technology, and innovation.
Passionate Integrity, Driven by Excellence
At Ardent Principles, we don’t just offer jobs—we build careers rooted in purpose. Our competitive salary ranges and industry‑leading benefits are designed to support long‑term stability, growth, and overall well‑being. We’re committed to creating an environment where talented people can do their best work and feel valued while doing it.
Join us as we continue building the future of secure, high‑impact solutions.
LOCATION: Full-time, onsite in Chantilly, VA
We have an immediate need for a mission‑driven Software Engineer who thrives in modern Lean Agile environments and enjoys building high‑impact capabilities that blend cloud engineering, scalable search, and LLM‑powered workflows. You must understand cloud environments such as Azure or AWS and will work on designing, developing, and deploying software systems.
Who We Are:
Ardent Principles delivers cutting‑edge capabilities across data science, data engineering, software engineering, AI solutions, cybersecurity, staff augmentation, and IT program management. We thrive at the intersection of mission, technology, and innovation.
Passionate Integrity, Driven by Excellence
At Ardent Principles, we don’t just offer jobs—we build careers rooted in purpose. Our competitive salary ranges and industry‑leading benefits are designed to support long‑term stability, growth, and overall well‑being. We’re committed to creating an environment where talented people can do their best work and feel valued while doing it.
Join us as we continue building the future of secure, high‑impact solutions.
Key Responsibilities
In this challenging yet rewarding role as a Software Engineer (SME level), you are an integral part of what brings our Company's mission to life. You must have the following required skills, certifications and demonstrated experience in and/or with:
- Working in a Lean Agile development environment
- Building or integrating LLM-based solutions including RAG, semantic search or AI-assisted retrieval systems
- Developing detailed design and associated deliveries
- Translating customer and systems requirements into design
- Designing system interfaces
- Developing Single Page Applications using React (modern hooks‑based architecture), HTML5, and CSS3.
- Hands‑on experience developing RESTful APIs using Node.js and Express (or comparable modern backend frameworks).
- Hands‑on experience with and troubleshooting Internet and web‑related protocols and technologies such as Tomcat, Node.js, Web Services, or SSL.
- Working with testing platforms such as Jest or Karma.
- Hands‑on experience working with DevOps tools such as Git, Jenkins, or Nexus.
- Hands‑on experience with Elasticsearch (index design, querying, relevance tuning, and scaling).
- Designing or implementing data pipelines to support search and/or RAG workflows (e.g., ingestion, chunking, embeddings, vector search).
Highly Desired Qualifications
Other skills and demonstrated experiences that are highly desired but not mandatory to perform the work, include:
- Evaluating, selecting, and integrating LLMs (e.g., OpenAI, open‑source models) into enterprise applications
- Working with vector databases, hybrid search (keyword + semantic), and relevance optimization
- Ability to lead or mentor teams in adopting search + AI/LLM best practices (strong preference for candidates who can elevate team capability, not just contribute individually)
What We Offer You
- Highly Competitive Salary: Recognizing and rewarding your expertise and contributions.
- Generous Paid Time Off: Providing ample time for rest, relaxation, and personal pursuits.
- Dedicated Training Budget: Supporting continuous learning and professional development.
- 100% Employer-Covered Family Vision, Dental, and Health Insurance: Ensuring comprehensive health coverage for you and your family.
- 100% Employer-Covered Life and Disability Insurance: Offering financial security and peace of mind.
- 401(k) Plan with a 6% Employer Match: Helping you plan and save for a secure retirement, with 100% vesting from day one.
- 11 Paid Government Holidays: Observing national holidays to ensure time off with family and friends.
- Spot Bonuses for Exceptional Performance: Rewarding outstanding contributions and achievements.
SCHEDULE:
This is a full-time position with consultants expected to be available and working onsite in Chantilly, VA during core hours.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Join us and be part of a team dedicated to driving positive change through technology. Apply now with our easy 3-minute, mobile-friendly initial application process. Your future starts here!
About
At Ardent Principles, we're more than just a technology company - we're a team of innovators, problem-solvers, and collaborators dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Our mission is to empower organizations with transformative IT solutions and program management services, while our values of integrity, excellence, and teamwork guide everything we do. We foster a culture of open communication, where every voice is heard, and every idea is valued. Join us and be part of a company where your contributions truly make a difference.
Skills Required
- Active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph
- Full-time onsite work in Chantilly, VA
- Experience working in a Lean Agile development environment
- Building or integrating LLM-based solutions including RAG, semantic search, or AI-assisted retrieval systems
- Experience designing detailed designs and translating customer/system requirements into designs
- Designing system interfaces
- Developing Single Page Applications using React (modern hooks-based architecture), HTML5, and CSS3
- Hands-on experience developing RESTful APIs using Node.js and Express (or comparable backend frameworks)
- Hands-on experience with and troubleshooting web protocols/technologies such as Tomcat, Node.js, Web Services, or SSL
- Experience with testing platforms such as Jest or Karma
- Hands-on experience with DevOps tools such as Git, Jenkins, or Nexus
- Hands-on experience with Elasticsearch (index design, querying, relevance tuning, and scaling)
- Designing or implementing data pipelines to support search and/or RAG workflows (ingestion, chunking, embeddings, vector search)
- Familiarity with cloud environments such as Azure or AWS
- Evaluating and integrating LLMs (OpenAI or open-source) into applications
- Experience with vector databases, hybrid search (keyword + semantic), and relevance optimization
- Ability to lead or mentor teams in adopting search + AI/LLM best practices
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The Company
What We Do
Ardent Principles, Inc. is a people-focused IT and management consulting firm for commercial and government clients, specializing in IT services and program management, and offering advanced services in data science, data engineering, software engineering, AI solutions, cybersecurity, and staff augmentation.
