AI (ML) Engineer - Colorado Springs, Colorado

About the Role

Davidson is seeking an AI (ML) Engineer in Colorado Springs, CO. This position is an integral part of a fast-paced, innovative program for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) involving the creation of advanced M&S, Optimization, and AI capabilities in support of the Guam Defense System (GDS). The program works cross-functionally with innovative team members skilled in Modeling & Simulation (M&S), Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML), DevSecOps, and Cybersecurity. Work will be performed at a contractor facility in Colorado Springs, CO and at Schriever SFB.

The ideal candidate will possess a fundamental understanding of AI/ML principles, experience supporting AI/ML projects from conception to deployment, and strong communication skills. The selected individual must be able to work with little direct supervision, work as an integral member of a product delivery team, and meet time-critical delivery schedules.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an AI Engineer for a team creating multiple AI/ML projects and the development and training environment in which they are created.
• Collaborate closely with data team members and functional SMEs, and develop advanced optimization models for customer product enhancement.
• Train models and algorithms within a software product across a cross-functional team to provide value to the customer.
• Support the full lifecycle of AI/ML projects, from problem definition and data collection to model development, deployment, and monitoring.
• Design, develop, and implement AI/ML models and algorithms using appropriate tools and techniques.
• Ensure the quality and accuracy of AI/ML models through rigorous testing and validation.
• Collaborate with software engineers, network security, and DevOps teams to deploy AI/ML models into production environments.
• Model performance of AI/ML models in production and identify areas for improvement.
• Communicate AI/ML concepts and results effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Work in close coordination with multiple teams that will use AI/ML products.
• Work with the AI/ML Lead to define problem statements and success metrics for AI/ML products.
• Experiment with innovative theories, ideas, and concepts to expand the realm of the possible.
• Self-organize and participate in an Agile development lifecycle.
• Ask questions and build consensus within a cross-functional team.
• Provide design inputs and collaborate to decompose, estimate, and refine backlog requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline with 6 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree and 3 years of experience.
• Holds active DoD Secret clearance at time of application. Currently holds or is able to obtain Top Secret Security clearance.
• Familiarity in a variety of AI/ML techniques, including deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and reinforcement learning.
• Experience with Large Language Models/Generative AI and Prompt Engineering, including using LLM/GAI solutions for human-machine teaming in software development.
• Algorithmic understanding of heuristic and black box approaches for optimization, such as Genetic Algorithms, Simulated Annealing, Bayesian Optimization, and Particle Swarm Optimization.
• Familiarity with ML algorithms, such as Decision Tree, Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, Neural Network, Convolutional Neural Network, and Long Short-Term Memory.
• Experience evaluating models using common AI/ML concepts (e.g., cross-validation, drift monitoring, model cards, bias/fairness testing).
• Familiarity with responsible AI/model governance.
• Proficient in building optimization models with one of the following languages: Python, C, or C++.
• Understanding of Python's common data stack (NumPy, Pandas, SciPy).
• Experience with common ML frameworks for Python (scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Experience with collaborative programming tools (Git, GitLab).
• Familiarity with Linux operating systems.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including presentation skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Must be self-motivated and able to work effectively in a dynamic and collaborative team environment.
• Ability for some limited travel (less than 10% time) to support program meetings.

Desired Competencies

• 5+ years of relevant experience in Operations Research/Machine Learning.
• Demonstrable experience building ML models in Python.
• Experience with data manipulation and ML for big datasets.
• Experience with MLOps tools (Kubeflow, MLflow, DVC).
• Knowledge of modern application development to include containerization (Docker/K8S).
• Demonstrable experience applying analytical and programming skills to solve optimization problems.
• Strong algorithmic understanding of classical optimization techniques (e.g., linear programming, gradient descent).
• Familiarity with Agile processes/development methodology.
• Familiarity with cloud computing platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP.