Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Engineer 1 - C++/Marian/Java/AWS/PyTorch/Python

Captivation Software

Annapolis Junction, MDFull-time$130,000–$270,000Posted Nov 4, 2026

About the role

Build to something to be proud of.

Captivation has built a reputation on providing customers exactly what is needed in a timely manner. Our team of engineers take pride in what they develop and constantly innovate to provide the best solution. Captivation is looking for software developers who can get stuff done while making a difference in support of the mission to protect our country.

Description

Captivation Software is looking for a mid level AI/ML engineer who will be responsible for building, training, fine-tuning, and evaluating advanced language models. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with state-of-the-art machine learning techniques, specifically for natural language processing (NLP), and will also have a strong understanding of full-stack development. This person will work across the model development lifecycle and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact solutions.

Requirements

Security Clearance:

Must currently hold a Top Secret/SCI U.S. Government security clearance with a favorable Polygraph, therefore all candidates must be a U.S. citizen

Minimum Qualifications:

2 years experience in applied machine learning in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity is required

A B.S. degree in advanced math (e.g., calculus, linear algebra or Bayesian statistics), computer science or related STEM discipline from an accredited college or university is required

3 years of additional machine learning experience on projects with similar machine learning processes may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree.

Required Skills:

Strong proficiency in AI/ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Hugging Face.

Expertise in model training, evaluation, and deployment.

Hands-on experience with AWS tools like SageMaker, Lambda, EC2, and S3.

Experience in developing full-stack software applications (JavaScript, Python, Java, etc.).

Solid understanding of data structures, algorithms, and system design.

Experience & Background:

o Extensive experience in machine learning model development, including natural language processing (NLP).

o Experience with model evaluation, optimization, and performance monitoring.

o Proven experience in software engineering with strong coding skills.

o Experience working in a government or defense-related environment is highly preferred.

Experience with model versioning and management using tools such as MLFlow or Git.

Familiarity with containerization tools (i.e. Kubernetes).

Desired Skills:

Experience with secure data handling and compliance requirements

Experience working with Large Language Models (LLMs)

This position is open for direct hires only. We will not consider candidates from third party staffing/recruiting firms.

Benefits

Annual Salary: $130,000 - $270,000 (Depends on the Years of Experience)

Up to 20% 401k contribution (No Matching Required and Vested from Day 1)

Above Market Hourly Rates

$3,600 HSA Contribution

6 Weeks Paid Time Off

Company Paid Employee Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance/Life Insurance/Short-Term & Long-Term Disability/AD&D

Responsibilities

  • Build, train, fine-tune, and evaluate advanced language models.
  • Work across the model development lifecycle to deliver machine learning solutions.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

  • Currently hold a Top Secret/SCI U.S. Government security clearance with a favorable polygraph and be a U.S. citizen.
  • Have at least 2 years of applied machine learning experience on programs of similar scope, type, and complexity.
  • Hold a bachelor's degree in advanced mathematics, computer science, or a related STEM discipline, or substitute 3 years of additional relevant machine learning experience.
  • Proficiency with machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Hugging Face.
  • Experience with model training, evaluation, deployment, optimization, and performance monitoring.
  • Hands-on experience with AWS tools such as SageMaker, Lambda, EC2, and S3.
  • Full-stack software development experience and strong coding skills in languages such as JavaScript, Python, or Java.
  • Knowledge of data structures, algorithms, and system design.

Benefits

  • Up to 20% 401(k) contribution, with no matching required and vesting from day one.
  • $3,600 HSA contribution.
  • Six weeks of paid time off.
  • Company-paid medical, dental, vision, life, short-term disability, long-term disability, and AD&D insurance.

Skills mentioned

PythonJavaC++Machine LearningPyTorchAWSAmazon SageMakerLarge Language ModelsModel EvaluationModel Deployment

About Captivation Software

Build something to be proud of. Captivation is focused on engineering digital solutions for mission makers. We deliver software engineering expertise across a broad spectrum of disciplines, collaborating to solve problems with the agility and efficiency of a small business. Captivation has built a reputation on providing customers exactly what is needed in a timely manner. Our team of engineers take pride in what they develop and constantly innovate to provide the best solution. Captivation is a small, developer-oriented company that embraces the progressive attitude you would expect at a tech startup. We value transparency in the employer-employee relationship, and aim to empower our team through a flattened company structure. We actively pursue the most interesting work the Intelligence Community has to offer. Our team works with leading software technologies to create awesome solutions for happy clients.

Software Development11-50 employeesHanover, Maryland