---
title: 'AI Software Engineer - Expert at Dark Wolf Solutions'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/ai-software-engineer-expert-dark-wolf-solutions-chantilly-herndon-j3d30r959vj2'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-04'
---

# AI Software Engineer - Expert at Dark Wolf Solutions

- **Company:** Dark Wolf Solutions
- **Location:** Chantilly/herndon, VA
- **Posted:** 2026-08-18
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-04
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/darkwolfsolutions/jobs/7886144003

## Job description

Dark Wolf constructs and deploys data management and analytics solutions for the defense and intelligence communities. We’re proud to boast a world-class engineering team that thrives on rolling up their sleeves to solve your mission’s biggest challenges.

Dark Wolf is seeking an AI Software Engineer - Expert to lead the technical architecture, optimization, and implementation of high-throughput AI platforms. You will be responsible for building complex agentic LLM workflows, optimizing model performance for resource-constrained environments, managing multi-cloud architecture, and driving software engineering best practices across development pods.

## Key Responsibilities

- Lead the architectural execution and implementation of enterprise AI applications and complex agent workflows.
- Optimize model inference speed, memory efficiency, and quantization techniques for air-gapped deployments.
- Design resilient multi-cloud container infrastructure using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tooling.
- Establish security scanning frameworks and lead vulnerability remediation efforts across production systems.
- Serve as a technical lead, driving Agile sprint deliverables, managing technical debt, and mentoring engineering teams.

Required Qualifications:

- Clearance: Must be a US Citizen holding an active TS/SCI security clearance with an active Full-Scope Polygraph.
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related technical field (Master’s degree preferred).
- Experience: 7-10+ years of software engineering and systems architecture experience, with demonstrated leadership.

Technical Competencies:

- AI Frameworks: Advanced knowledge of RAG architectures, framework customization, and orchestration strategies.
- AI Models: Expertise in model quantization, distillation, and custom multi-agent system design.
- Machine Learning: Extensive experience with MLOps pipeline automation, model inference optimization, and deployment lifecycle.
- Programming & Scripting: High-level mastery of Python, C++, Go, and asynchronous programming design.
- Containerization: Deep experience with Kubernetes cluster management, service mesh integration, and orchestration.
- Agile Frameworks: Proven experience acting as a Technical Pod Lead or Scrum Master driving development execution.
- Multi-Cloud Architecture: Multi-cloud systems architecture experience using Terraform and cloud-native frameworks.
- Security Scanning Tooling: Expert knowledge of DevSecOps security integrations, compliance checks, and remediation strategies.

Desired Qualifications:

- Advanced Certifications: AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), or Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA).
- Proven track record deploying complex AI models in classified, air-gapped intelligence networks.

Position Clearance Requirement:

US Citizenship with an active TS/SCI security clearance with Full-Scope Polygraph

Location:  Chantilly/Herndon, VA.

Target Salary Range: $165,000.00 – $200,000.00 (Commensurate with specialized expertise and technical skillset).

Equal Opportunity Employer:

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity, confirm US Citizenship, and complete the required employment eligibility verification upon hire.

We are strictly looking for direct, full-time W2 employees. We do not engage with third-party staffing agencies, C2C, or 1099 independent contractors for this role.

## About Dark Wolf Solutions

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Dark Wolf Solutions provides cyber-centric engineering, software delivery, cloud, data & AI, and mission enablement services to defense, intelligence, and Fortune 500 customers.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Backed by Razor's Edge Ventures)
- **Headquarters**: Herndon, Virginia, United States
- **Founded**: 2013
- **Founders**: Not publicly listed

## Core Business
- **Primary industry/industries**: Cybersecurity, IT Services, Defense & Intelligence, Cloud Engineering, Data & AI
- **Target customers**: B2B, primarily U.S. Federal Government (Defense, Intelligence Community) and Fortune 500 companies
- **Mission or purpose statement**: "Operates at the nexus of mission and technology to meet our Nation’s most demanding objectives." [darkwolf.io](https://darkwolf.io/)

## Products & Services
- **Cybersecurity Engineering & Risk Management**: Defensive and offensive cyber operations, penetration testing, incident response, and risk management.
- **Software Delivery & Cloud**: DevSecOps agile software development, cloud & hybrid solutions, edge computing, and digital platform engineering.
- **Data & AI**: AI/ML solutions, big data management, data science, and analytics.
- **Mission Enablement**: Mission systems, secure communications, multi-INT, autonomous systems, and operational test & evaluation.
- **BrickStor Secure Storage (via RackTop Systems)**: Secure cyber storage and data protection products for defense agencies. [darkwolf.io](https://darkwolf.io/)

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed
- **Key Metric**: In February 2026, the company was awarded a potential **$67.2 million contract** by the U.S. Air Force for cyberspace innovation support. [cbinsights.com](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/dark-wolf-solutions)
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Razor's Edge Ventures is a known investor. [cbinsights.com](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/dark-wolf-solutions)
- **Growth Signals**: Headcount grew **28.2% year-over-year** (293 employees), with a monthly growth rate of 3.1%. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/darkwolfsolutions) The company reorganized in early 2026 into four core practices (Cybersecurity, Software Delivery & Cloud, Data & AI, Mission Enablement) and expanded its product portfolio with RackTop Systems. [cbinsights.com](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/dark-wolf-solutions)

## Competitive Advantages
- **Deep Federal Domain Expertise**: Combines cutting-edge technology with specialized knowledge of defense and intelligence mission requirements.
- **Proven Track Record**: Has won at major cyber competitions, including DEFCON (2017, 2022) and BSides DC (2016, 2018). [darkwolf.io](https://darkwolf.io/)
- **Established Contract Vehicles**: Supports agencies through pre-existing contract vehicles, simplifying engagement and accelerating delivery. [darkwolf.io](https://darkwolf.io/)
- **Strong Talent Pipeline**: Recruits heavily from the U.S. Air Force, Army, and major defense contractors like Booz Allen Hamilton, Northrop Grumman, and General Dynamics. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/darkwolfsolutions)

## Strategic Focus
- **Expansion into Data & AI**: The company's recent reorganization emphasizes a new Data & AI practice, signaling a strategic push into machine learning and advanced analytics. [cbinsights.com](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/dark-wolf-solutions)
- **Productization**: Adding products like BrickStor to its traditional services portfolio to create recurring revenue and deeper customer lock-in. [darkwolf.io](https://darkwolf.io/)
- **Winning Large Contracts**: The $67M Air Force contract demonstrates a focus on securing large-scale, multi-year engagements.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: The company describes its culture as "Work hard, play hard" and refers to its team as "The Pack," emphasizing collaboration and fun. [darkwolf.io](https://darkwolf.io/join-the-pack/)
- **Professional Development**: Offers a "Training Bounty Program" with cash bonuses for completing certifications and training on new technologies. [darkwolf.io](https://darkwolf.io/join-the-pack/)
- **Competitive Edge**: Employees get the opportunity to participate in elite cyber competitions (DEFCON, BSides), building skills and reputation. [darkwolf.io](https://darkwolf.io/join-the-pack/)
- **Benefits**: Includes flexible PTO, 401(k) with employer match + performance-based grant, medical/dental/vision (including zero-cost options), HSA/FSA, short & long-term disability, pet insurance, and incentive compensation. [darkwolf.io](https://darkwolf.io/join-the-pack/)
- **Work Mode**: Positions are available across multiple U.S. locations (Herndon, VA; Tampa, FL; Huntsville, AL; San Antonio, TX; Colorado Springs, CO; etc.) with some hybrid and remote options.
- **Engineering Culture**: Heavy emphasis on DevSecOps, cloud engineering, and cutting-edge tech (AI/ML). The company values continuous learning and tinkering with new technologies. [darkwolf.io](https://darkwolf.io/)

## Sources
1. [darkwolf.io](https://darkwolf.io/)
2. [job-boards.greenhouse.io](http://job-boards.greenhouse.io/darkwolfsolutions)
3. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/darkwolfsolutions)
4. [cbinsights.com](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/dark-wolf-solutions)
5. [darkwolf.io/join-the-pack](https://darkwolf.io/join-the-pack/)

## Other roles at Dark Wolf Solutions

- [Information Systems Security Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/information-systems-security-manager-dark-wolf-solutions-dark-wolf-hub-chppp5m3017m) — Dark Wolf Hub
- [Threat Detection Engineer (Cloud Security)](https://feeny.ai/job/threat-detection-engineer-cloud-security-dark-wolf-solutions-ogden-txeh8e9ez3tx) — Ogden, UT
- [Field Support Officer (Test and Evaluation)](https://feeny.ai/job/field-support-officer-test-and-evaluation-dark-wolf-solutions-tucson-w8vhrd6x67xc) — Tucson, AZ / Mountain View, CA / Colorado Springs, CO / Herndon, VA / Ogden, UT / San Antonio, TX
- [Test Planner and Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/test-planner-and-manager-dark-wolf-solutions-mountain-view-80kwe0y77cn8) — Mountain View, CA / Tucson, AZ / Colorado Springs, CO / San Antonio, TX / Ogden, UT
- [Senior Cybersecurity Engineer / RMF Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-cybersecurity-engineer-rmf-specialist-dark-wolf-solutions-herndon-wpzc0tw6z14d) — Herndon, VA
- [DevSecOps Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/devsecops-engineer-dark-wolf-solutions-colorado-springs-mc4j7rdes0hh) — Colorado Springs, CO
- [Cybersecurity Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/cybersecurity-engineer-dark-wolf-solutions-huntsville-aavgjx3eknyt) — Huntsville, AL / Dark Wolf Office
- [Security Control Assessor Representative (SCAR)](https://feeny.ai/job/security-control-assessor-representative-scar-dark-wolf-solutions-ogden-n146fj9wpcv1) — Ogden, UT
- [Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO) Analyst](https://feeny.ai/job/defensive-cyber-operations-dco-analyst-dark-wolf-solutions-ogden-nz0s30xpqgba) — Ogden, UT
- [Mid-level Cybersecurity Engineer / RMF Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/mid-level-cybersecurity-engineer-rmf-specialist-dark-wolf-solutions-herndon-yzv1eczm8qb3) — Herndon, VA