Principal AI/ML Engineer (Large Language Model) (TS/SCI) {S}

About the role

The Principal AI/ML Engineer supports the development of AI/ML algorithms across various disciplines including object detection/classification, natural language processing, reinforcement learning, and large language models. ARKA offers relocation benefits and flexible schedules for eligible candidates.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of developers and researchers to implement machine learning algorithms for diverse challenges.
• Apply Large Language Models (LLMs) to applications like remote sensing, such as tasking collections, identifying gaps, analyzing patterns of life, and more.
• Fine-tune foundation models and build adaptors for new applications, including llama factory and PEFT.
• Use retrieval augmented generation (RAG) techniques to populate and query vector databases like Weaviate.
• Develop custom applications with LLM frameworks like LangChain and DSPy.
• Deploy LLM solutions across cloud-based and local resources using Kubernetes (e.g., llama.ccp, vllm).
• Analyze large multi-domain datasets such as images, text, and graphs to identify relevant features for actionable data.
• Interface with internal and external leadership to communicate technical status.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in machine learning, computer science, mathematics, or related fields.
• 10+ years of experience, preferably in software development or data science with 2+ years of building LLM applications using Fine-tuning foundational models, steering techniques, building adapters, prompt engineering, retrieval augmented generation, LLM frameworks, and AI APIs.
• Experience leading interdisciplinary teams and defining project scope and schedules.
• Experience with Python and data science/machine learning libraries (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, Keras, OpenCV, NumPy, Pandas, Polars, scikit-learn).
• Active TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in machine learning, computer science, mathematics, or related fields.
• Experience with Computer Vision domains, applying Transformer-based architectures, object detection algorithms, natural language processing algorithms, GANs, VAEs, reinforcement learning, and clustering algorithms.
• Experience with Computer Vision libraries like OpenCV, Nerfstudio, FiftyOne, and AWS cloud computing resources (EC2, S3, Lambda).
• Experience with additional programming languages like Java, C++, Rust, Go, and/or C#.
• Experience implementing algorithms on GPUs using CUDA and other CUDA libraries.
• Experience with tracking and pattern-of-life algorithms.
• Experience with deploying, virtualizing, and containerizing applications (e.g., Podman, Docker, Kubernetes, Rancher).
• Experience with various Remote Sensing datasets (EO/OPIR/SAR images, passive RF, etc.).

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical/vision/dental insurance packages.
• Company contributions to qualified HSA accounts.
• 401k retirement plan with industry-leading company contributions.
• 13 paid holidays.
• Annual bonus program based on company and employee performance.
• Company-paid life insurance, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term disability insurance.
• Four weeks paid parental leave.
• Upfront tuition assistance for approved degree programs.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Pay Range

$180,000 - $210,000. Actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Location

Aurora, CO. Located near the Rocky Mountains, Aurora offers access to natural beauty and proximity to Denver and Denver International Airport.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive medical/vision/dental insurance packages.
• Company contributions to qualified HSA accounts.
• 401k retirement plan with industry-leading company contributions.
• 13 paid holidays.
• Annual bonus program based on company and employee performance.
• Company-paid life insurance, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term disability insurance.
• Four weeks paid parental leave.
• Upfront tuition assistance for approved degree programs.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

EHS/Environmental Requirements

This job operates in a professional office environment. Employees are required to use hands to keyboard, communicate, listen to, and interpret instructions and remain stationary for extended periods of the time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

ITC & Security Clearance Requirements

This position requires an active TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance. No visa sponsorship is available for this position. Employment with any ARKA companies in the U.S. is contingent upon satisfactory completion of several pre-employment requirements, including a credit check, background check, and drug screen.