Senior AI / Backend Engineer

UsAt Aretec, Inc., we are catalysts for change within the federal government landscape. Specializing in advanced analytics, machine learning, data analysis, cybersecurity, and business optimization, we empower federal agencies to achieve their most critical missions. As a premier partner and prime vendor, we deliver innovative, high-impact solutions that address complex challenges and drive national progress. Our commitment to excellence and innovation positions us at the forefront of transforming governmental operations, enhancing efficiency, and making a lasting difference in the lives of citizens.YouYou are a thoughtful, collaborative technology professional who turns complex challenges into practical, secure, and maintainable solutions. You work comfortably with engineers, product stakeholders, and federal partners; communicate clearly; and balance delivery speed with quality, traceability, and responsible use of AI. You are energized by mission-driven work and eager to contribute within an established team that values sound judgment and continuous improvement.What We are Looking ForAretec is seeking a Senior AI / Backend Engineer to build the intelligent services behind a greenfield AI solution. You will develop Python services, LLM integrations, retrieval pipelines, agent workflows, APIs, guardrails, and automated evaluations that produce useful, well-grounded results with clear references to supporting source material.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign and develop Python backend services and APIs for the greenfield AI solution.Integrate large language models and build retrieval-augmented generation pipelines over approved enterprise data sources.Implement agent orchestration and reusable prompt-framework components.Build retrieval, ranking, context-assembly, and citation mechanisms that tie summaries and findings to supporting documents.Develop guardrails that constrain unsupported assumptions, overly prescriptive outputs, legal determinations, and decisions that belong to human staff.Create deterministic and probabilistic evaluation automation that measures accuracy, completeness, consistency, grounding, and adherence to guardrails.Build automated unit, integration, regression, and AI-quality tests.Instrument services for troubleshooting, performance analysis, and continuous improvement.Work closely with the technical lead, data engineer, full-stack engineer, and enterprise-search stakeholders throughout design and delivery.The Skills We are Looking ForRequired QualificationsStrong Python software-development skills.Practical experience integrating LLMs into production or production-oriented applications.Experience designing RAG systems, retrieval pipelines, embeddings, context construction, or comparable information-retrieval workflows.Experience with RESTful APIs and backend service design.Understanding of agent orchestration, prompt design, AI guardrails, and model-output evaluation.Experience with automated testing and disciplined software-engineering practices.Strong analytical, debugging, documentation, and communication skills.Preferred SkillsExperience with source citation, document intelligence, enterprise search, or knowledge-retrieval systems.Experience with structured human feedback loops and AI evaluation frameworks.Experience delivering applications in federal, regulated, or security-conscious environments.Familiarity with identity, access control, observability, and secure API integration.The Expectations of the JobDay OneLearn the greenfield AI solution use cases, enterprise-search environment, available data sources, security boundaries, and current AI components.Align with the technical lead on development standards and priority workflows.Day ThirtyDeliver initial Python/API contributions and prototype or improve a priority retrieval or LLM workflow.Add foundational tests and quality measurements for early AI capabilities.Day SixtyOwn significant RAG, agent, guardrail, or evaluation components and integrate them with the application.Use system tests and user feedback to improve grounding, accuracy, completeness, and appropriate scope.Day NinetyTake end-to-end ownership of core AI/backend capabilities from design through production-ready validation.Help establish repeatable evaluation, monitoring, and improvement practices for the greenfield AI layer.BenefitsAt Aretec, we believe that our employees are our greatest asset. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and professional development:Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance401(k) Plan with Employer MatchCertification StipendsProfessional Development OpportunitiesFlexible Work Arrangements, including remote options when permitted by contractPaid Time Off and HolidaysCitizenship RequirementPlease note that due to the nature of our federal contracts and the secure environments in which we operate, only applicants who are sole U.S. Citizens can be considered for this position. Dual citizens are not eligible.Equal Opportunity EmployerAretec, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.This anticipated position is contingent upon contract award and final customer approval.