Software Development Engineer, Senior

Software Development Engineer, Senior

The Opportunity: 

To achieve an organization’s mission, leaders need strong team members who can create and analyze processes, communicate requirements, and develop innovative solutions throughout the execution of the mission. Whether reviewing program-wide technical architecture or providing AI/ML infrastructure expertise, our clients need someone who combines deep technical understanding of software engineering with strong architectural judgment. That is why we need you, an experienced AI/ML Software Development Engineer who can operate at a system-of-systems level to support clients in advancing AI-enabled systems within an R&D environment.

As part of our team, you'll serve as Software Development Engineer to the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), helping conceptualize, create, and execute advanced government-funded research and development programs to accelerate better health outcomes for everyone. Work with world-class scientists and engineers to support the development of high-impact solutions to society's most challenging health problems. Leverage technical expertise to provide strategic assessments of new technologies in support to senior ARPA-H decision makers. Maintain responsibility for producing and presenting findings and recommendations to a team of colleagues and clients on the feasibility and potential impact of future research programs, assisting with the management of current programs, and facilitating commercialization of successfully developed technologies. 

You'll serve as an AI/ML Infrastructure Software Engineer advising program leadership and supporting software engineering to support the client mission. You will support clients in ensuring that program-wide technical architecture and engineering to rigorous AI development, evaluation, and long-term impact. Your attention to detail, flexibility, communication skills, understanding of the client's mission, and problem-solving will enable the mission's success.

Join us. The world can’t wait. 

You Have:  

• 3+ years of experience building and operating production-grade software systems

• Experience with algorithms, data structures, distributed systems, design patterns, cloud platforms, such as Azure, AWS, or GCP, and containerization, such as Docker

• Experience working in high-velocity, end-to-end delivery environments

• Experience in interacting and communicating with senior-level executives, including SES or GS-15 

• Experience with using Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

• Knowledge of modern backend frameworks and asynchronous programming models

• Ability to work in at least 2 backend programming languages, including Python

• Ability to operate independently within a fast-paced start-up environment involving CI/CD pipelines and produce clear, actionable product stories and specs

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust or Suitability/Fitness determination based on client requirements

• Bachelor’s in Computer Science or Software Engineering

Nice If You Have:  

• Experience with LLM integration, such as tool-calling, RAG, multi-step reasoning, and context management

• Experience with multi-agent orchestration and Agent-to-Agent (A2A) communication patterns

• Experience with prompt engineering, model behavior differences, and LLM evaluation methods

• Experience with startup environments or regulated domains such as healthcare or life sciences

• Experience with Microsoft Azure services, such as Azure Functions, API Management, Container Apps, or Azure OpenAI

• Knowledge of token economics, cost optimization, and context budget management

• Knowledge of Model Context Protocol (MCP) for tool discovery and invocation

• Knowledge of security best practices, including secrets management and least-privilege access

• Possession of excellent oral and written communication skills

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field

Vetting:
Applicants selected will be subject to a government investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements of the U.S. government client.

Compensation

At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration o