Senior Software Engineer - ATO (AI)

TL;DR

Senior Software Engineer - ATO (AI): Designing and hardening AI-enabled software products for deployment in government-authorized environments with an accent on DevSecOps, security controls, and compliance. Focus on building compliant cloud architectures, implementing strong change control, and translating government compliance requirements into engineering reality.

Location: Preference for San Diego, California; must hold an active U.S. TS Security clearance with SCI Eligibility

Salary: $150,000 - $215,000 + equity

Company

Defense technology company building agentic AI to deter adversaries and provide strategic foresight for decision makers.

What you will do

• Own the technical roadmap and execution for deploying a key product suite to government authorized systems.
• Design, build, and harden the product suite within a compliant cloud environment.
• Implement rigorous change control, including security impact analysis and testing/validation plans.
• Act as the subject matter expert for compliance efforts, providing guidance and progress reports to stakeholders.
• Mentor engineers on secure design and operational excellence in regulated environments.
• Create architecture diagrams and technical documentation for internal and external consumption.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in DevSecOps or a related capacity.
• Proven experience deploying software into government-authorized environments (e.g., IL6, JWICS).
• Full-stack proficiency with the React, Node, and Python stack.
• Strong foundation in security principles and NIST SP 800-53 or OSCAL frameworks.
• Expertise in writing software accreditation documentation, such as System Security Plans and CONOPS.
• Must hold an active U.S. TS Security clearance with SCI Eligibility.

Nice to have

• Experience working as a contractor for the Department of Defense (DoD) or other government agencies.

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive salary with equity and 401(k) match.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Remote-friendly environment with WeWork access and flexible PTO policies.
• Company-wide off time at the end of the year and shared federal holiday downtime.
• Lifestyle and wellbeing stipends.
• Fully paid parental leave and child/pet care reimbursement during travel.