AI Prompt Engineer

Ashburn, VAOnsiteFull TimeEntry-level (exp-based)Posted 1 month ago

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Required skills

U.S. Citizen
federal background investigation
LLMs
OpenAI GPT series
Llama
Gemini
Python
JavaScript
TypeScript
prompt engineering

Nice to have

data-driven problem-solving
RAG concepts
embeddings
vector databases
AI safety
prompt injection

Role summary

CDIT LLC is seeking an AI Prompt Engineer for a federal border security mission. The role involves designing, testing, and optimizing prompts for Large Language Models (LLMs) to ensure high-quality outputs. Responsibilities include prompt development, iterative testing, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and providing input on model fine-tuning and RAG strategies. The ideal candidate will have 1+ year of LLM experience, proficiency in Python or JavaScript/TypeScript, and familiarity with prompt engineering techniques. A Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience is required, along with U.S. citizenship and the ability to pass a federal background investigation.

CDIT LLC is seeking a highly creative, technically proficient, and detail-oriented AI Prompt Engineer to join a growing AI team supporting a federal border security mission. This role is responsible for designing, testing, and optimizing prompts for Large Language Models (LLMs) to produce high-quality, reliable outputs across a range of mission use cases — translating complex requirements into effective AI interactions, within an Agile delivery environment.

Responsibilities

• Prompt Design & Optimization — Develop, refine, and iterate on prompts for generative AI models (LLMs) to elicit desired behaviors and outputs.

• Iterative Testing & Analysis — Conduct structured testing to compare prompt variations and drive continuous improvement.

• Collaboration — Work closely with cross-functional teams to integrate prompts that streamline manual processes.

• Fine-Tuning & RAG Support — Provide input on model fine-tuning and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) strategies.

• Problem Solving — Debug unexpected model behaviors, identifying root causes in prompt structure or data context.

Required Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to pass a federal background investigation (criminal, drug use, and misconduct checks).

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, IT, or related field (equivalent experience considered)

• 0–3 years of professional software development experience or relevant academic project work

• 1+ year of hands-on experience with LLMs (e.g., OpenAI GPT series, Llama, Gemini)

• Proficiency in at least one programming language (Python, JavaScript/TypeScript)

• Familiarity with prompt engineering techniques (few-shot, chain-of-thought, structured outputs, function calling)

Desired Qualifications

• Strong, data-driven problem-solving skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Exposure to RAG concepts, embeddings, and vector databases

• Understanding of AI safety considerations (prompt injection, bias, data privacy)

• Exposure to Agile/Scrum environments

CDIT LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position supports a federal government client and requires the ability to obtain and maintain a background investigation as a condition of employment.

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