Software Engineer – Applied AI, Defense Applications

Palantir Technologies

. Design and build AI agents for defense and intelligence users to investigate complex questions, analyze operational data, develop plans, and produce actionable work .

Posted 11/3/2026full-timeWashington, D.C. • Washington • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $145,000 - $200,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in designing and building AI agents for defense and intelligence applications, with strong capabilities in software engineering, user experience optimization, and collaboration across cross-functional teams. Proficient in programming languages and frameworks essential for developing scalable applications and enhancing user workflows.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Java ProgrammingC++ ProgrammingPython ProgrammingReact ProficiencyTypescript Proficiency

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Software EngineeringApplication DevelopmentPerformance AnalysisData-Driven EvaluationUX Workflow RefinementLLM Application DevelopmentContext ManagementTool DesignOperational Data AnalysisProduction Deployment

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsCollaborationCuriosityAttention to DetailIndependent Decision-Making

Certifications & Qualifications

Active US Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

AI AgentsDefenseIntelligenceCross-Functional TeamsUser WorkflowsHigh-Scale DataLow-Latency PerformanceProduct CapabilitiesIterative DevelopmentEmerging AI Capabilities

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

JavaJavaScriptPythonReactTypeScriptC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design and build AI agents for defense and intelligence users to investigate complex questions, analyze operational data, develop plans, and produce actionable work
Improve agent experience through data-driven evaluations across memory, tool and skill design, context management, fine-tuning, and related areas
Improve user workflows by collaborating with cross-functional teams and ensuring cohesive experiences across product boundaries
Build intuitive interfaces for directing agents, following progress, inspecting evidence, reviewing proposed actions, and refining resulting work
Own features from experimentation through production deployment
Work with users, designers, and engineers to turn mission needs into reliable, reusable product capabilities
Optimize applications for speed and scalability through performance analysis and work with high-scale, complex data
Collaborate within small software engineering teams to build cross-functional capabilities and improve software efficiency and reliability
Refine UX workflows with users and fine-tune performance for low-latency or more accurate operational outcomes

Requirements

What you’ll need

Experience coding in programming languages such as Java, C++, Python, JavaScript, or similar languages
Strong software engineering skills and experience delivering production applications
Strong proficiency in React and Typescript
Engineering background in Computer Science, Mathematics, Software Engineering, Physics, or a similar field
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to iterate quickly with teammates, incorporate feedback, and maintain a high bar for quality
Active US Security clearance or eligibility and willingness to obtain a US Security clearance
Experience building applications with LLMs, including tool design, context management, agent workflows, or evaluation
Strong product instincts and attention to detail
Ability to communicate and collaborate with engineers, users, and non-technical team members
Willingness to learn and make decisions independently
Ability to ask questions effectively, iterate directly with users, and own core outcomes
Curiosity about emerging AI capabilities and sound judgment about their application

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, vision, and voluntary life insurance
Basic life, AD&D, and disability insurance
Commuter benefits
Relocation assistance
Take-what-you-need paid time off
Two weeks of paid time off built into the end of each year
10 paid holidays
Supportive leave of absence program, including military service and medical events
Paid leave for new parents and subsidized back-up care for all parents
Fertility and family building benefits, including adoption, surrogacy, and preservation
Stipend for expenses associated with a new child
401(k) plan
Hybrid work options offered by many teams
Career growth opportunities and multiple pathways to success