Full Stack AI Developer - Python/Django/React/PHP (100% Remote)

100% Remote for long-term 5 year project with our Federal Government customer.

Vanguard DevOps (www.vanguard-devops.ai) is seeking a highly experienced Full Stack AI Developer - Python/Django/React/PHP to support full stack development, and AI integrations into a suite of web applications. Resonsibilities include development of new cutting edge AI integrated applications (React, Python, Django, FastAPI), as well as supporting some legacy applications developed in PHP and CodeIgnitor framework.

Project Overview

Cutting Edge AI Development - We are developing a new Geospatial Artificial Intelligence application, to use cutting-edge satellite technology combined with artificial intelligence to detect whales and other marine mammals from space. The application development involves integrating very high resolution satellite imagery with advanced cloud computing, geospatial analysis, and machine learning to build a scalable, automated detection system of marine mammals. The system will include Python/Django back-end for the automated AI and ML analysis, and a React front-end user interface for Human-in-the-loop (HITL) review and validation of the AI categorized sattelite images, for enhanced training of the LLM.

Support of legacy Applications - In addition to the development of the new AI application this role will also support the development and maintenence of a suite of legacy applications primarily developed in PHP with the CodeIgnitor framework. The role may also include development of some Oracle Apex UIs to enable viewing and analysis of some existing scientific data stored in our Oracle Cloud (OCI) Databases.

Core Responsibilities

• Development of AI, LLM, and ML functionality and integrations, using Python, with Django framework (potentially FastAPI).
• Development of the data ingestion pipeline for AI enabled ingestion, analysis, and categorization of vast amounts of satellite imagery
• React SPA Development & AI Integration: Design a robust, scalable React SPA; implement high-performance UI patterns for real-time AI streaming (Server-Sent Events) to ensure a fluid, responsive user experience.
• PHP development using the CodeIgnitor framework (to support our current legacy systems).
• Contextual RAG Interfaces: Design and implement UI components for Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), allowing users to query mission-critical documentation with grounded citations.
• AI-Assisted Data Entry: Architect "Smart Form" features using LLMs to assist users in completing web application data entry form fields, via natural language parsing and intelligent field suggestions.

Required Technical Skills

• BS in Computer Science or scientific field (engineering, physics), or equivalent experience
• Extensive hands on AI experience - integrating LLM-powered systems, ML-backed services, and RAG pipelines into production-grade platforms.
• Proven exprience operating across the full stack — from database schema design and API development to frontend UX implementation and cloud-native infrastructure.
• 5+ Years hands on development with Python, Django, FastAPI
• 2+ Years developing React Single Page Applications (SPAs)
• 2+ Years proven PHP development experience - Strong proficiency in server-side logic and PHP CodIgnitor web frameworks.
• 2+ Years proven CodeIgniter: Proven experience building and deploying applications within the PHP CodeIgniter framework.
• Knowledge of AI UX Best Practices (handling hallucinations, human-in-the-loop validation).
• AI Integration: Experience integrating frontend applications with AI services (Google Vertex AI, OpenAI, or Azure OpenAI)
• 3+ years of Full stack Web applications development, using Python, Django and ReactJS.
• JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS3 - Strong Understanding of front-end technologies.
• Strong understanding of Databases and Data Modeling (specifically Oracle, and Postgresql).

Additional Desired Skills

• Experience with AI in Google Cloud Platform (GCP) - Gemini and Vertex AI
• Experience with Jupyter Notebooks with Python
• Experience with Oracle APEX development (Preferrably Version 24)
• Experience developing Event-driven architectures, asynchronous workflows and notification pipelines (using RabbitMQ, GCP Pub/Sub, or similar tools).
• Experience with DevOps, CI/CD, containerization, and deployments
• Experience in "Contract-First" development via OpenAPI specifications
• Experience with agile development processes
• Experience with Jira, and Git
• Excellent teamwork, communication and collaboration skills

This position REQUIRES the candidate to be either a U.S. Citizen, or green card holder having lived in the U.S. continuously for more than 5 years. (no H1B or H4 visa). - If you do not meet this requirement, do not apply. We cannot hire you for this position.

Security Clearance: This position REQUIRES the ability to obtain a Public Trust security clearance