Junior Software Engineer

Summary

Join Skyward, a people-centered business with a civic tech mission, as a Junior Software Engineer. Design and develop AI agents, write efficient Python code, conduct user interviews, experiment with LLM technologies, and deploy and maintain local LLM networks. Collaborate with cross-functional teams in an agile environment and contribute to the AI playbook for government technology transformation. The ideal candidate possesses a recent Computer Science degree or equivalent experience, demonstrable coding skills, experience with LLMs, proficiency in Python, and strong problem-solving abilities. Skyward offers competitive compensation, benefits, and a collaborative work environment.

Requirements

• Recent degree in Computer Science or equivalent practical experience
• Demonstrable coding skills with a strong preference for open-source contributions
• Experience working with LLMs and AI technologies (e.g., using APIs from Anthropic, OpenAI, etc.)
• Proficiency in Python and comfort with learning new programming languages as needed
• Understanding of software development lifecycle and agile methodologies
• Strong problem-solving abilities and creativity in approaching technical challenges
• Excellent communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences

Responsibilities

• Design and develop AI agents to solve real problems for government agencies and beyond
• Write clean, efficient Python code to build scalable AI solutions from scratch
• Conduct user interviews to gather requirements and translate them into technical specifications
• Experiment with cutting-edge LLM technologies and help define best practices
• Deploy and maintain local LLM networks and related infrastructure
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, agile environment
• Contribute to the AI playbook for government technology transformation

Preferred Qualifications

• You have experience deploying and managing local LLM infrastructures
• You have prior work developing AI agents or conversational interfaces
• You’ve got a history of meaningful open-source contributions
• Experience with rapid prototyping and iterative development?
• Your passion for improving workflows through technology innovation shows in every project you’ve worked on
• You have side projects that demonstrate your love for coding, AI experimentation and optimization

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision insurance (fully paid for employees)
• 15 days of paid leave
• 7 days of sick leave
• 2 days bereavement leave
• 11 paid Federal holidays
• Up to 40 hours for jury duty
• 401K with 4% employer contribution (and no vesting period)
• Up to 4 weeks of paid paternity and maternity leave
• Company provided laptop
• $5,000 per year for professional development
• $600 per year for technical supplies and equipment
• $2,000 referral bonus
• Life and disability insurance
• HSA and FSA
• Legal Shield and ID Shield Voluntary Benefits
• Opportunity to work in a collaborative, motivated team focused on modernizing government services with cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions
• We support flexible working hours and remote opportunities to help maintain a healthy work-life balance for all employees, including caregivers and those with unique needs