Software Engineer (SWE), Level 1
Software Engineer (SWE), Level 1
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:
We're looking for a motivated Software Engineer with an interest in AI to join our Standards, Operational Assurance, and Readiness (SOAR) organization. This is your opportunity to grow as an engineer while applying modern AI technologies to real operational challenges that directly impact mission readiness.
You'll work alongside senior engineers and organizational strategists to help gather requirements, build and test AI-assisted tools, and transform cumbersome, time-consuming tasks into streamlined workflows. You'll gain hands-on experience with AI agents, Skills, and Model Context Protocol (MCP) integrations that expedite the development, qualification, and certification of cyber professionals. Along the way, you'll deepen your understanding of CNO operational and training environments.
The ideal candidate has a solid software engineering foundation, strong problem-solving instincts, and a genuine desire to learn quickly in a mission-focused setting. If you're excited about putting AI to work on a mission that directly impacts operational readiness, we want to hear from you.
In this role, you will:
Participate in discussions with training staff and stakeholders to capture requirements and understand process bottlenecks
Implement and test components of AI-driven solutions that streamline readiness and certification workflows, with guidance from senior engineers
Configure AI harnesses, including developing and maintaining custom Skills and Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers that connect AI workflows to organizational data and tools
Contribute across the development lifecycle, including prototyping, coding, testing, and delivery of assigned features
Build and maintain automation scripts and tools using Python and Bash
Use AI tools to assist in drafting, reviewing, and maintaining JQS and TQS documentation under the direction of the training team
Write clear technical documentation, user guides, and training materials to support adoption of new AI tools
Learn and apply team coding standards, version control practices, and review processes
Requirements:
3+ years of relevant experience with a B.S. in a technical discipline, or 7+ years of relevant experience without a degree
Proficiency in at least one scripting or programming language (Python or Bash preferred)
Understanding of software engineering fundamentals, including version control (Git), testing, and debugging
Basic knowledge of operating systems and networking concepts
Familiarity with AI/LLM tools and an interest in applying them to automate routine tasks
Ability to write clear, organized technical documentation
Strong communication skills and willingness to learn from senior engineers and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
Preferred Skills:
Knowledge of or exposure to CNE/CNO operations and cyber mission tradecraft
Experience or coursework with AI harnesses and agentic workflows, including Skills or MCP servers
Exposure to systems engineering concepts, from design through delivery
Experience with C++
Familiarity with Large Language Model (LLM) prompt engineering, evaluation, or Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)
Familiarity with web development frameworks (e.g., React, TypeScript) for building user-facing tools
Experience or familiarity with TAO/CNO formalized training pipelines
Exposure to Job Qualification Standards (JQS) or other training and certification documents
️ 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
$197,500 – $232,500
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.