Overview 

Cognitive Space builds next-generation AI systems that help “supercharge satellite operations” through its CNTIENT platform. We are seeking an engineer who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and enjoys taking ideas from theory into production deployments.  You will play a critical role in designing and shipping production-grade, tool-using, multi-agent LLM systems that can coordinate specialized components (e.g., planning, retrieval, decisioning, and execution) to complete complex, multi-step workflows in operational environments. This role is for a hands-on builder who can translate ambiguous workflow requirements into reliable multi-agent behavior, robust tool integrations, and measurable outcomes. Experience deploying and optimizing LLM solutions, including open-source model deployments and work in controlled or mission environments, is strongly valued.

Location 

Washington, DC area, Houston – hybrid in the office 2–3 times per week. 

What you will be doing 

  • Design and build LLM-based agents that can plan and execute multi-step workflows (task decomposition, state management, memory, and controlled autonomy). 
  • Implement and maintain a robust tool interface layer (tool schemas/contracts, structured I/O, validation, retries, idempotency, and safe execution boundaries). 
  • Integrate agents with internal and external systems: APIs, databases, queues, and operational services, ensuring reliable action-taking and traceability. 
  • Develop evaluation and regression testing for agent behavior (scenario suites, golden traces, automated quality gates) to reduce drift and ensure predictable performance. 
  • Establish observability for agent runs (tracing, failure analysis, latency/cost monitoring, tool-call success rates) and drive continuous improvements. 
  • Containerize and deploy agent services and decision-making capabilities for production and edge environments, as applicable. 
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and prioritize agentic automation opportunities tied to key milestones and requirements.
  • Implement safety and governance controls (permissions, policy checks, audit logs, and appropriate handling of sensitive data) aligned to operational constraints.

What you will need 

  • US Citizenship
  • Active TS/SCI clearance preferred or must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI Clearance.
  • Preferred Security+ Certification.
  • Bachelor’s/Master's/Ph.D. in a relevant field: Computer Science, Engineering, Applied Math, Statistics, etc.
  • 2–5+ years of professional experience as an AI Engineer, ML Engineer, Software Engineer (Applied AI), Applied Scientist, or similar role.  
  • Strong programming skills in Python; experience with production services, APIs, and containerization (Docker/Kubernetes) is strongly preferred. 
  • Experience deploying and operating workloads on AWS (e.g., IAM, VPC, EC2, EKS/ECS, Lambda, S3, CloudWatch), including security, monitoring, and cost-aware design.
  • Hands-on experience building LLM applications in production, including several of:
  • Experience with ML/LLM frameworks and ecosystems (e.g., PyTorch/TensorFlow familiarity; LangChain/Strands/Bedrock familiarity; vector databases/search) consistent with an applied engineering role.
  • Strong debugging and analytical skills: ability to diagnose failures across model behavior, tool execution, and system integration. 
  • Ability to convey complex technical behavior and trade-offs in a clear, practical manner.
  • Prefer experience in space/satellite/aerospace domains, mission operations, systems engineering, or adjacent operational environments.
  • Prefer experience with offline/online evaluation methodologies and building reusable test harnesses for AI behavior.

Benefits 

One of the most interesting aspects of working at a startup company is gaining equity, which means our success is your success. In addition to equity in the form of options, we also offer: 

  • Flexible Time-Off policy and company holidays 
  • Cost-effective health care, dental, and vision with company contributions 
  • 401k matching plan with company match 
  • Life insurance 
  • Short-term and long-term disability 

Salary 

$160,000 - $205,000 

We value job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. That’s why we will determine your actual level and base salary on a case-by-case basis, considering these factors. We believe this will ensure fair and competitive compensation for you.