Artificial Intelligence (AI) Solution Architect

About the role

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, SPA is known for continuous innovation for government customers in the US and abroad. The Sea, Land, Air Analysis Group delivers objective analyses, plans, and strategies to US Navy, US Marine Corps, USAF, other DoD, and Australian Defence Force clients to support technology development, acquisition, delivery, and sustainment decisions. The group provides core thought leadership on Undersea Strategy, Software Development and Cost Estimating, with additional benchmark capabilities in AI/ML & Decision Analytics, Modeling and Simulation, and Future Force Assessments.

The AI Solution Architect serves as the lead designer and integrator of AI and machine-learning services within the Mission Planning Enterprise platform, focusing on applying AI/ML to improve integration productivity, code and system assurance, and analytics for engineering and IVV&E teams. This role identifies high-value AI use cases and governs the secure, explainable deployment of AI services on the DevSecOps/CDE stack.

Responsibilities

• Make AI and machine-learning services available on the platform to improve integration productivity, code and system assurance, and analytical insight for OEMs and integration teams
• Work with engineering, IVV&E, and platform operations to identify high-value use cases such as static and dynamic code analysis, automated test generation and prioritization, anomaly detection in performance metrics, and intelligent defect triage
• Design, integrate, and govern AI services on the DevSecOps/CDE stack with appropriate security, explainability, and auditability
• Shape the roadmap for AI-enabled capabilities that directly support mission planning enterprise objectives
• Ensure AI investments are tightly coupled to SOW-driven integration, evaluation, and cybersecurity needs

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, or a related field
• 7+ years of experience architecting and delivering AI/ML-enabled solutions, including at least 3 years in complex enterprise or regulated environments
• Strong understanding of software engineering and IVV&E workflows and how AI/ML can improve productivity and quality (e.g., code analysis, test selection, anomaly detection)
• Experience architecting AI services on modern platforms (containers, microservices, APIs) and integrating them with DevSecOps pipelines and tools
• Understanding of security, governance, and assurance considerations for AI, including data protection, model lifecycle management, and traceability of AI outputs
• An active Secret clearance or the ability to obtain one, and the ability to maintain it throughout employment

Desired

• Experience applying AI/ML in defense, aerospace, or other mission-critical software contexts (e.g., code assurance, cyber analytics, integration verification)
• Familiarity with mission planning software ecosystems and data structures, and an understanding of AI opportunities in integration, performance assessment, and deficiency analysis
• Background integrating AI-driven analytics into program and technical performance dashboards to provide early indicators of risk
• Experience working closely with cybersecurity and ISSM teams to ensure AI solutions meet RMF and other cyber policy requirements
• Advanced degree in AI, machine learning, or a closely related discipline, and experience with MLOps practices in operational environments

Pay

Massachusetts pay transparency salary range: USD $180,000.00/Yr. - USD $270,000.00/Yr. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

SPA offers a robust total compensation package including competitive base pay, variable compensation opportunities, and eligible employees may enroll in benefit programs generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work. Specific programs and options vary by eligibility factors such as geographic location and date of hire.