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 ourcore 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.