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Software Engineer (SWE), Level 3

  • Fort Meade, MD

Software Engineer (SWE), Level 3

An active TS//SCI clearance with polygraph is required for this role



👋🏼 Hey!

Bitwise is a leading provider of mission-focused intelligence solutions that advance national security for the Intelligence Community and Department of Defense. We're a small and growing company, so you can expect to hop in on the ground floor with us and be a consequential member of the team. You'll be more than a contract performer for us — you'll also be asked for ideas to improve our company and improve your career, and you'll contribute to our team culture. We value growth and community above almost all else, so we gather regularly for game nights, happy hours, tech talks, and plenty more. We think you'll like it here!

Remember, Bitwise is not a cult. 🖖🏼

🎯 What We Look For

Bitwise hires talented engineers who are driven by purpose and who value a culture of technical excellence, growth, and overall wellness. We deliver new and innovative intelligence solutions to our customers at the very forefront of our country's national security missions. And we do it every single day. Our work matters, and so will you.

We ask that every new hire be able to:

  • Contribute meaningful thought leadership — if not right away, over time
  • Interact with our customers and earn their confidence in your abilities
  • Be detailed, even if that means taking a little more time to get it right
  • Contribute their ideas and ideals to improve all aspects of our company
  • Allow us to invest in their education so we both grow together
  • Know and live our core values every single day

💡 About this Role

As a Software Engineer at Bitwise, you'll be a hybrid analyst and developer leveraging your deep expertise in Large Language Models and AI-integrated Python pipelines to drive mission-critical initiatives. You'll be embedded in every aspect of the development lifecycle — from conceptualization through deployment — architecting agentic Python automations, conducting vulnerability research, and analyzing complex technical data that matters to national security.

Your core responsibilities will include:

  • Design and Deploy Agentic AI Workflows — You'll architect autonomous AI systems that leverage planning and tool-use capabilities to streamline internal operations and improve system efficiency at scale.
  • Build Automated Workflows — You'll design, develop, and maintain sophisticated Python-based automation pipelines that integrate seamlessly with production environments.
  • Conduct Vulnerability Analysis — You'll perform in-depth security research and vulnerability assessments on complex systems and architectures.
  • Develop and Document Tradecraft — You'll innovate new methodologies and ensure they're thoroughly documented for the team and our customers.
  • Execute Customer Requests — You'll own technical deliverables and translate customer needs into elegant technical solutions.
  • Lead Customer Outreach — You'll engage directly with our customers, demonstrating technical expertise and building lasting confidence in our capabilities.

📋 Requirements

  • 12 years of experience in software engineering or a related field, OR a B.S. in a technical discipline plus 8 additional years of experience
  • Deep expertise with Large Language Models — You've solved complex problems leveraging LLMs, including hands-on experience with prompt engineering and model optimization
  • Advanced Python proficiency — You're comfortable designing and deploying production-grade Python systems and automations
  • AI Integration experience — Proven ability to integrate AI into automated pipelines and production workflows using APIs and orchestration tools
  • Data manipulation and parsing — You can wrangle complex datasets and transform them into actionable intelligence
  • Networking knowledge — Strong understanding of networking concepts and protocols
  • Open source research acumen — You're experienced conducting research using open source tools and methodologies
  • SIGINT systems knowledge — Familiarity with end-to-end SIGINT collection and analysis systems
  • Version control and collaboration tools — Proficiency with Git, Jira, and Confluence

🌟 Preferred Skills

  • Experience with production CNO capabilities and operations
  • Background in intelligence or defense technology sectors

🏝️ Benefits at Bitwise

  • Top salaries because we're top performers
  • Pick your PTO — Everyone values time and money differently, so we give you the flexibility to choose between 3 and 5 weeks of PTO with a corresponding adjustment to your pay. Your choice, your balance.
  • All 11 federal holidays, paid!
  • Up to 2 snow days, paid!
  • We'll quadruple (4x!) the first 6% you contribute to your 401(k), giving you up to a 24% company match. Contributing less than 6%? Unclaimed matches come right back to you as extra income, giving you a guaranteed 24% that goes to your retirement, to your paycheck, or both. C'mon now! 🚀
  • 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances. That's a lot. Already covered on health insurance? No problem — we'll trade you this benefit for a boost to your salary instead.
  • $5,250 annual education assistance for training, certifications, tuition, and even student loan repayments.
  • Spot bonuses for obtained certifications, customer recognition, and just about anything else that makes us go "Hot damn!". We hope to say that many times about you. 🔥

💰 Salary Range

$282,000 – $332,000

This range includes our flex income and depends upon your annual work hours.

Salary is determined on an individual basis following the interview process and considering various factors such as years of experience, skills, education, and certifications.

🛎️ What to Expect After Applying

You'll get an email from us right away to acknowledge your application. After that, we'll:

  • Send over additional company materials for you to review
  • Schedule a video call to talk about you, our company, and your place in it
  • Craft a delightful offer package for you and record a video walkthrough
  • Work closely with you through onboarding. We'll keep it joyful and easy.

ℹ️ Disclaimers

Bitwise is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

Compensation for this position, including all compensation options, will be determined on an individual basis following the interview process.

If you require accommodations at any stage of the application or interview process, please reach out to us.