Junior Research and Development Engineer, CATHEXIS, VA, US

Team CATHEXIS elevates the government contracting experience through rapid response, deep skill, and thoughtful problem-solving and communication. Our core capabilities are our top-tier program and project management, data analytics, and audit services, the backbone of which is our integrated approach to operational excellence.

You worked hard to get to where you are. You strive to make every day better than the day before. So do we. Team CATHEXIS operates with an all-in mindset. We are working together to create a company that supports our shared values and individual goals. Our values are centered around Respect, Engagement, Customer Service, Integrity, Teamwork, and Excellence in everything we do for our employees, clients, partners, and communities. We believe success is best when we listen and lead with empathy, model high standards of ethics to provide a rewarding candidate experience, work hard, have fun, and appreciate the strengths we all bring to the team, and empower our employees to create innovative and trusted results.

 We are seeking a dynamic Junior Research and Development Engineer to join our innovation team in a cross-functional software engineering and data science role. This individual will be responsible for building rapid prototypes of advanced software and data solutions involving, but not limited to, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Robotic Process Automation (RPA), and Agentic AI. The Junior R&D Engineer will also support and maintain existing codebases, leveraging various open-source technologies. This role requires an exceptional problem-solver who thrives in fast-paced environments, can work independently and in teams, and consistently delivers high-quality outputs during development sprints. The ideal candidate will have a mix of software development and data science skills, even if only exposed to certain technologies, but must possess a strong desire to fill any knowledge gaps and learn by doing.

Responsibilities:

• Design, build, and test rapid prototypes of AI, RPA, and agentic AI solutions
• Maintain and enhance existing codebases built with open-source frameworks
• Develop software solutions using Python, JavaScript, C#, and other modern languages
• Develop machine learning models, from training to deployment, using Python (preferred) or R
• Knowledge of CI/CD practices and technologies
• Build and manage microservices architectures and containerized applications
• Collaborate with team members to define sprint goals and deliverables
• Leverage VS Code as the primary development environment
• Manage and maintain GitHub repositories and version control workflows
• Deploy and manage solutions across AWS and Azure cloud environments
• Contribute to the design, setup, and monitoring of Kubernetes clusters
• Troubleshoot, debug, and optimize prototypes for scalability and performance
• Provide technical documentation and knowledge transfer to stakeholders
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
• Strong ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly document and present solutions
• Strong software development experience in Python, JavaScript, and C#
• Proficiency in using VS Code as a development environment
• Demonstrated ability to manage and collaborate through GitHub repositories

Preferred Skills

• Deployment experience in AWS and Azure cloud platforms
• Experience delivering high-quality code during Agile development sprints
• Hands-on experience building custom software and microservices
• Familiarity with Kubernetes and container orchestration

CATHEXIS offers competitive compensation packages to all eligible employees. Our goal is to provide a compensation package that reflects the value you bring to our team, is competitive with market rates, and promotes your financial security and personal well-being. The annual salary range for this role is $80,000 to $90,000. Please note that the salary information provided is a general guideline. CATHEXIS considers various factors in its final offer, including location, qualifications, experience, and skills. 

Benefits

• Performance Bonuses
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Plan (Traditional and ROTH)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off
• 11 Federal Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Commuter Benefits
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Wellness Program
• Community Outreach Initiatives

CATHEXIS is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact the RecruitingTeam@cathexiscorp.com.