Senior Software Engineer, Python

Join a Mission That Matters

Torch.AI builds the government’s AI-native control layer—a foundational data and intelligence capability designed to give the United States enduring ownership over how knowledge is created, managed, and applied in mission-critical environments. Our vision is simple and profound: ensure the U.S.—not a vendor—operates its own AI infrastructure to make decisive, real-time operational decisions.

We work at the center of national security, helping agencies transform data into actionable knowledge across domains including information advantage, ISR, joint effects, force protection, and mission support. If you’re driven to build technology that strengthens U.S. defense readiness and protects national interests, Torch.AI offers an opportunity to make meaningful impact at national scale.

What It’s Like to Work Here

Torch.AI operates at the intersection of advanced AI, secure systems, and real-world operations. We solve complex, high-stakes problems by building scalable, modular technology that reduces cognitive burden, improves mission performance, and delivers timely, reliable, predictive intelligence.

Here, you’ll collaborate with a diverse team of engineers, data experts, veterans, and mission practitioners. You’ll have the autonomy to own meaningful work and the support of teammates who share context openly, challenge assumptions, and think creatively. Every day brings something different—early prototypes, production deployments, mission support, or scaling next-generation capabilities.

We’re a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment where curiosity, adaptability, and a deep commitment to national security drive everything we do.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of scalable Python backend services using FastAPI, Flask, or microservice architectures.
• Diagnose and resolve complex issues across staging/production environments through deep root-cause analysis.
• Architect and maintain RESTful APIs, service integrations, and internal automation tools.
• Oversee and improve CI/CD workflows, testing frameworks, observability, and deployment processes.
• Collaborate with DevOps, cloud, and security teams to deliver secure, high-performance applications.
• Define, document, and enforce engineering standards across code quality, reliability, and security.
• Guide technical planning, architectural decisions, and peer review processes.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, providing guidance on best practices and career growth.
• Manage cloud-based deployments on AWS (S3, EC2, IAM, networking).
• Engage in performance tuning, data modeling, and optimization of SQL/NoSQL systems.

What We Value  

• B.S. or M.S. in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• 8 years of software development experience, including deep Python expertise.
• Proven ability to design, scale, and support backend systems in production environments.
• Strong knowledge of cloud-native architecture and infrastructure-as-code concepts.
• Experience with database design, indexing, performance tuning, and schema architecture.
• Expertise with CI/CD pipelines, Git workflows, automated testing, and observability tooling.
• Strong grounding in security best practices and secure application development.
• Ability to lead complex initiatives and collaborate with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Nice-to-have:
  • Experience with NiFi, Airflow, or equivalent data integration tools
  • Experience with ELK/Kibana, Prometheus, or test automation tools
  • Experience with classified or cloud-isolated environments (C2S, AC2SP)
  • Familiarity with Kafka, Spark, or streaming/time-series systems
  • Exposure to AI/ML interfaces or LLM-enabled services

Security Clearance

Some roles require an active Secret, Top Secret, or Top Secret/SCI clearance. If you do not currently hold an active clearance but believe you may be eligible, we encourage you to apply as sponsorship is also available.

Work Location

We hire for roles at our headquarters in Leawood, KS, and for hybrid/remote positions in the Arlington, VA, Washington, DC, and Maryland (DMV) region. Some roles may require limited travel (<10%) to customer sites.

Incentives

• Equity participation for all employees within the first 12 months
• Competitive salary quarterly performance bonus
• Unlimited PTO 11 paid company holidays
• High-growth, mission-driven environment with significant professional development opportunities
• Weekly in-office catering at HQ

Benefits

Torch.AI provides benefits that exceed regional and national benchmarks across multiple categories:

401(k)

• Torch.AI provides participating employees with the option to enroll in a company-sponsored plan. Currently, Torch.AI does not provide matching. 

Medical

• Three plan options: PPO, HSA, TRICARE Supplement
• HSA contributions significantly above regional norms
• Rare TRICARE Supplement offering (top ~18% of employers)

Spending Accounts

• HSA, FSA, and Dependent Care FSA with high employer contributions and rollover flexibility

Dental

• Plans with annual maximums up to 2.6× the national average

Vision

• VSP Choice network with above-market frame allowances

Life Insurance

• Employer-paid life insurance equal to 1× salary (substantial above-market coverage)

Disability & Illness

• Top 10% regional coverage for STD and LTD (both employer paid)

Voluntary Benefits

• Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity
• Commuter benefits up to $300/month (tax-free)

Torch.AI is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.