Skyward IT Solutions, LLC - Senior Software Engineer

• Serve as a senior engineer supporting CMS’s modernization efforts — reducing manual effort, improving data accuracy, and enhancing transparency through scalable, AI-enabled enterprise systems. • Design, build, and scale full-stack applications using modern backend frameworks (Python/FastAPI or similar) and dynamic frontend technologies (React or comparable frameworks). • Architect and implement RESTful APIs and microservices that power intelligent features leveraging NLP and large language models (LLMs). • Collaborate closely with Human-Centered Design (HCD) experts to deliver intuitive, responsive, and accessible user experiences that truly serve real people. • Lead backend development efforts focused on performance optimization, observability, reliability, and clean architecture patterns. • Build and enhance CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins or similar tools), ensuring automated testing, code quality enforcement, and secure deployments in cloud-native environments. • Troubleshoot complex system issues, debug test failures, improve test coverage, and raise the bar for engineering quality across the team. • Identify high-impact automation opportunities that meaningfully reduce operational burden for end users and stakeholders. • Contribute to architectural decisions, technical roadmaps, and engineering best practices across the program. • Partner cross-functionally with product, customer experience, data science, and DevOps teams to align technical implementation with mission outcomes. • What we’d like you to have: • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or related field (or equivalent practical experience). • 10+ years of progressive software engineering experience building and scaling production-grade applications. • Strong backend expertise in Python and modern API frameworks (FastAPI, Flask, Django, or similar). • Solid frontend experience with React (or comparable modern JavaScript frameworks) and component-driven development. • Experience designing RESTful APIs and working within microservices architectures. • Hands-on experience with CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins or similar), automated testing frameworks, and secure code deployment practices. • Familiarity with AWS cloud environments and cloud-native development patterns. • Experience integrating or supporting AI/ML-driven capabilities (NLP, LLMs, chatbots, or similar intelligent systems). • Strong understanding of software design principles, clean architecture, and secure coding practices. • Ability to translate complex technical concepts into language that resonates with cross-functional stakeholders. • A proactive mindset: someone who sees opportunities for improvement and takes initiative • What would blow us away: • Experience building or supporting AI-powered enterprise applications in regulated environments (federal, healthcare, or similar). • Familiarity with MLOps workflows or integrating model APIs into production systems. • Experience modernizing legacy enterprise systems into scalable cloud-native architectures. • Knowledge of ethical AI considerations and regulatory requirements. • Previous experience supporting CMS or other HHS agencies. • Even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply. At Skyward, we’re focused on hiring individuals with the right skills and passion to grow, not just checking off every box. • And now the important part. What we offer you: • Medical, dental, vision insurance • 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 • 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. Who says government work can't be exciting! • $120,000 - $150,000 a year • We believe great work deserves great pay. That’s why we ensure our compensation is not only competitive but also fair and transparent, as required by Maryland law. Expect a salary that matches your skills, experience, and the value you bring to the table — because you’re worth it! • At Skyward, we support flexible working hours and remote opportunities to help maintain a healthy work-life balance for all employees. • Offers of employment with Skyward are contingent upon acceptable results of a background investigation. • Applicants must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance due to the nature of our work as a government contractor. • We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.