Senior Software Engineer

Skyward is hiring a Senior Software Engineer to support CMS modernization by building scalable, AI-enabled enterprise systems that reduce manual effort, improve data accuracy, and enhance transparency. The role leads full-stack and backend engineering, develops APIs and microservices, and partners with cross-functional teams to deliver secure, reliable, human-centered solutions.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

• 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
• 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
• 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

Benefits

• 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
• HSA and FSA
• 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.
• Flexible working hours and remote opportunities to help maintain a healthy work-life balance for all employees.

Company Overview

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