AI/ML Software Engineer III

About the role

THOR Solutions is seeking a Software Engineer III with a focus on AI and Machine Learning to support a contract developing an AI tool that automates the comparison process for U.S. Navy engineering drawings (“Damage Control Plates”) in Virginia Beach, VA. The engineer will join a team building a computer‑vision‑based image processing pipeline that ingests two versions of DC plates and identifies differences, and a locally deployed language model that generates draft comparison reports. This is a short‑term position anticipated to run through the end of December 2026, with possibility of further work. The role is hybrid (see Schedule) and involves up to 10% travel to sites in San Diego, CA and Philadelphia, PA. Typical work is desk/computer based in an office environment and may involve repetitive motion. An existing active or interim SECRET security clearance is required; only U.S. citizens are eligible for consideration.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and integrate a computer vision pipeline capable of ingesting, aligning, and automatically detecting differences between two versions of an engineering drawing.
• Develop and deploy a locally hosted language model to interpret comparison output and generate structured, human‑readable draft reports for engineer review.
• Build and maintain a secure, engineer‑facing web interface that allows users to review AI‑generated findings, annotate results, and approve or correct comparison reports.
• Implement drawing ingestion and normalization routines supporting multiple file formats including PDF, TIFF, CGM, DXF, and JPEG.
• Ensure all software components are deployable on existing on‑premise hardware with no cloud infrastructure dependency.
• Produce and maintain technical documentation including design documents, API references, and user guides.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a quantitative field of study such as engineering or mathematics (e.g., software engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, information technology, or information systems) from an accredited institution.
• In lieu of a relevant degree, other qualifications such as additional years of highly‑relevant experience and/or professional certifications may be considered.
• Cybersecurity certification such as CompTIA Security+ or similar.
• At least five (5) years of professional experience in software engineering, including recent experience with AI/ML concepts and development.
• Experience with applying programming concepts in a professional or academic setting.
• Experience with applying modern software development methodologies (e.g., agile, DevOps/DevSecOps) in a professional or academic setting.
• Proficiency with common productivity software including the Microsoft Office suite.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience deploying and optimizing large language models for CPU‑based inference in resource‑constrained environments.

Skills

• Familiarity with DoD or Navy IT environments, network security requirements, or working with government‑managed infrastructure.
• Agile Developer certification or Certified Scrum Developer certification.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off (accrued)
• Paid Holidays
• 401(k) with employer match and Traditional/Roth options
• Medical Insurance (3 plan options)
• TRICARE Supplemental Coverage for TRICARE‑eligible individuals
• Dental Insurance (2 plan options)
• Vision Insurance Plan (2 plan options)
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Commuter/Transit Benefits
• Basic Life/AD&D Insurance for employee
• Additional Life Insurance options for employee + family
• Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability Insurance
• Pet Benefits
• Legal Plan
• ID Theft Protection Plan
• Employee Assistant Plan and Work‑Life Program
• Voluntary Leave Transfer Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Referral Program

Pay

The anticipated pay range for this position is $38.46 – $45.67 per hour.

Schedule

Hybrid work schedule: three days per week onsite at THOR’s Virginia Beach, VA office, with the remainder remote/work from home.