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, TX - hybrid in office 2-3 times a 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 - $195,000

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.

Cognitive Space, Inc.

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