Senior AI Solutions Engineer - JobID-0287

Department: Engineering • Location: Arlington, VA (fully on-site)

About the role

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), a leading defense technology company, is seeking a Senior AI Solutions Engineer to be part of our Missile Defense team. This position is based out of our Arlington, VA location.

Clearance & location requirements

• All applicants must be able to obtain and maintain an active Secret U.S. Security Clearance
• U.S. citizenship required
• Fully on-site position in Arlington, VA
• Ability to travel up to 10% as needed

Responsibilities

• Apply AI technologies to improve productivity, decision-making, and automation across engineering and business functions
• Research, evaluate, and prototype AI tools, frameworks, and platforms to address internal operational challenges
• Implement practical AI-enabled solutions that integrate into existing workflows and systems
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across engineering, security, program management, and business teams to understand problems and deliver impactful solutions
• Integrate AI capabilities into existing development and operational processes while ensuring usability, reliability, and maintainability
• Support internal adoption of AI technologies by providing guidance, demonstrations, and knowledge sharing
• Guide the organization on emerging AI trends, platforms, and best practices
• Work closely with security and compliance teams to ensure AI solutions meet relevant policies and regulations, particularly in sensitive and classified environments
• Continuously evaluate and refine AI adoption strategies to align with evolving business needs and technology landscapes

Requirements

• 7+ years of professional software or technical experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
• Strong understanding and experience in applying modern AI technologies—particularly large language models (LLMs), generative AI tools, and AI-assisted development workflows—and practical approaches for integrating them into real-world systems
• Lead designing and implementing technical solutions that leverage AI technologies to improve productivity, automation, or decision-making
• Ability to rapidly prototype and evaluate new technologies to determine their potential value to the organization
• Understanding of secure software development practices and AI-specific security considerations
• Familiarity working within environments that require strong security and compliance controls
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to independently define requirements, scope initiatives, and deliver practical solutions
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across engineering, security, compliance, and business teams
• Comfortable balancing innovation with security, compliance, and operational constraints

Preferred qualifications

• Knowledge of Naval tactical systems like Aegis, SSDS, SLQ-32, or other similar systems
• Familiarity with MLOps practices such as model lifecycle management, monitoring, and CI/CD integration
• Experience integrating AI capabilities into DevSecOps or CI/CD pipelines
• Hands-on experience deploying AI-enabled tools or applications into production environments
• Experience working with generative AI technologies, large language models, or natural language processing tools
• Knowledge of NIST 800-53, DISA STIGs and Risk Management Framework processes, or other compliance frameworks specifically on AI systems
• Experience working in defense, government, or other mission-critical domains
• Experience evaluating emerging technologies and guiding organizational adoption
• Understanding of change management strategies for introducing new technologies into established workflows
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and guide junior engineers

Pay

Two pay ranges are posted, commensurate with experience level:

• $135,000 – $231,000 per year
• $164,000 – $273,000 per year

Actual compensation depends on a candidate’s experience, skills, and education. Posted ranges do not include bonuses, commissions, tips, or other benefits.

Benefits

• Generous benefits package
• Competitive PTO
• Paid holidays
• 401(k) with immediate vesting and matching
• 9/80 optional schedule (2nd and 4th Friday off every month)
• Tuition Assistance Reimbursement Program
• Professional Development Resources
• Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits
• Organization-Wide Monthly Tech Connect Events
• Annual Employee Recognition Awards
• Regular Social Events and Catered Lunches

IDT is headquartered in Arlington, VA with additional offices in Fall River, MA; Mount Laurel, NJ; and San Diego, CA. Employees work together in modern, snack-filled, social office spaces.