Senior Software Developer — AI Harness Development
BAE Systems· enterprise· Defense & Space· Oct 23, 2026 · 4d ago
McLean, Virginia
In office
Full-time
Senior
$153K–$261K
6+ years exp
Job description
Job Description We’re hiring a senior systems-level designer who brings AI Harness Engineering and Development best practices to complex, secure enterprise systems. You’ll shape end-to-end architectures with frameworks integrating multiple AI and Data Enclaves, Systems and Interfaces. Designing for measurable outcomes, integration with AI & Zero Trust security, anti-hallucination and token optimization frameworks. This role involves leadership in the technical framework as well as engagement with stakeholders whom will utilize the interfaces and applications developed.
Serve as a principal technical leader within the Chief Innovation Strategy Organization (CSO) in McLean, VA. We aren't looking for senior engineers who simply manage tasks from a desk, we want technical authorities who architect visionary solutions, shape complex technical strategy, and set the highest standard for engineering excellence across a wide spectrum of software disciplines.
To maximize growth and ensure agility in changing markets, our leadership is evolving our structure and assembling our top talent into a unified engineering engine designed to outpace emerging challenges and drive sector-wide advancement. You will be a primary driver of that mission, charting technical pathways, leading high-impact initiatives, and mentoring the next generation of engineers.
You won't be weighed down by bureaucratic stagnation. You’ll join a culture that values bold technical risks, rewards creative engineering, and gives senior leaders the authority to shape the future of our technical and strategic software portfolio. Join a rapidly growing organization, scaling our agentic construction of capabilities, serving our customers and ourselves leveraging advanced frameworks. You will be important to continue evolving with and ahead of the market.
Role Description
We are hiring a Senior Software Developer to act as a technical pillar across our multi-disciplinary portfolios. This position is a senior role focused on AI Harness Development. You will own the architecture and execution of high-visibility systems, providing leadership across: • Advanced UX Designs, Agentic Framework Implementation Models and Tools
• Advanced System Architecture & Full-Stack Software Engineering
• Complex AI/ML Service Integration & Agentic System Design
• Integration with MCP Frameworks for Data, Identity, Cost and Cyber Security Controls
• Enterprise-Grade Cloud Infrastructure, Automation, and CI/CD Pipelines
• Multi-Platform Enterprise Integration (ServiceNow, Salesforce, Splunk, Custom Ecosystems)
Responsibilities • Architect Complex Systems – Design and implement comprehensive end-to-end architectures, ensuring seamless, high-performance integration between modern UI frameworks, backend services, cloud infrastructure, and advanced AI/ML capabilities.
• Drive Technical Vision with Leadership – Partner closely with PIs, strategic planners, and executive stakeholders to conceptualize, scope, and execute strategic technical pathways.
• Elevate Engineering Standards – Champion Agentic Frameworks in the CI/CD workflow. Develop automated testing, application performance optimization, token optimization, anti-hallucination harnesses and rigorous software practices to eliminate deployment friction and technical debt.
• Mentor & Cultivate Technical Talent – Actively mentor junior and mid-level developers, fostering expertise in AI-native engineering practices, modern tool adoption, and clean architectural patterns.
• Lead Innovation & Execution – Oversee technical execution from initial prototyping to operational deployment, resolving complex cross-domain bottlenecks with authority and precision.
What We Are Looking For – The Essentials • Leadership in AI Harness Engineering – Leadership and operational models for solving modern AI (LLM, SLM, Harness) design addressing complex government workflows, addressing complex data engineering requirements as well as broad compliance requirements.
• Mastery of Software Engineering Principles – Deep expertise in multiple languages (such as Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, Rust, Java, or C++), microservices architecture, cloud to embedded and distributed systems design.
• Proven Architecture Experience – Extensive hands-on background integrating complex software components, cloud services, databases, and third-party APIs or Large & Small Language Model worflows.
• DevSecOps & Infrastructure Leadership – Comprehensive understanding of containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), Infrastructure-as-Code (Terraform, Ansible), and enterprise-grade CI/CD pipelines. Design for accreditation and deployment is key.
• Collaborative Leadership – Demonstrated success in technical teams, partnering with research or product stakeholders, and elevating the capabilities of surrounding engineers.
• Track Record – History of success in teams, delivery of viable systems from start to finish, adapting to changing tools and frameworks. Be prepared to share lessons learned.
A Modern Mindset – Your Growth Edge • AI-First Technologist – You operate at the frontier of AI-assisted engineering and agentic workflows, utilizing LLMs and modern automation frameworks to redefine how enterprise software is conceptualized and built.
• Adaptable Visionary – Unfazed by ambiguity; capable of taking a high-level strategic objective and breaking it down into an actionable, highly scalable engineering roadmap.
Character & Culture • Mission-Driven & Competitive – Deeply committed to delivering bulletproof technical solutions that solve critical operational challenges.
• Generous Team Member – Earns respect through technical depth, emotional intelligence, and an active commitment to mentoring and uplifting others.
Working Conditions • Onsite in McLean, VA. Flexible work and time options.
• Occasional travel to other BAE Systems sites, partner facilities, and stakeholder meetings.
• Reports to: Sr. Director, Capability Development.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, related field or equivalent high-impact practical experience.
• 6+ years of professional software development experience, with a proven track record of designing and delivering complex, distributed software systems.
• Experience executing rapid-cycle R&D in defense, aerospace, advanced prototyping, or adjacent mission areas.
• Strong understanding of AI/ML frameworks, autonomy, cyber engineering, and human-machine teaming.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. TS/SCI Preferred.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills • Deep fluency in at least two of the following: Software Engineering, AI Harness Engineering, Cybersecurity, Systems Engineering, Hardware/Firmware/Embedded Systems.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $153377 - $260743
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems, Inc. BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.
Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
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Benefits
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Dental
Vision
401(K)
Paid Time Off