Senior AI Subject Matter Expert - JobID-0276

Department: EngineeringLocation: San Diego, CACompensation: $135,000 - $273,000 / year Description About The Role: Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), a leading defense technology company, is seeking a Senior AI Subject Matter Expert (SME) to be part of our Integrated Warfare Systems Division and based out of our Arlington, VA, Mt. Laurel, NJ, or San Diego, CA locations. The Senior AI Subject Matter Expert will serve as a strategic and technical advisor on the effective adoption, implementation, and governance of artificial intelligence across the Division. They will spearhead the development of software in an AI-augmented engineering environment where generative AI tools are used throughout the software lifecycle — including requirements analysis, architecture design, code generation, test creation, debugging, documentation, and system analysis. The SME will bring expert level knowledge of AI technologies including generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), machine learning, and AI automation, as well as responsible AI guidelines that translate into practical business solutions. They will help establish and champion AI-accelerated development practices across engineering teams, demonstrating how generative AI can dramatically increase engineering velocity while maintaining high reliability, security, and mission assurance standards required for defense systems. The engineer will work within multidisciplinary teams to accelerate delivery, enhance reliability, and operationalize autonomous and intelligent behaviors across complex DoW systems. The ideal candidate combines deep AI expertise with strong business acumen and communication skills and can explain complex AI concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. The Integrated Warfare Systems Division is composed of four mission critical business units within the IDT organization and is directly responsible for building, testing, and deploying the Navy’s next generation of tactical warfare and weapons systems. As the nation enters the ‘technology-first’ era of warfare, the Integrated Warfare Systems Division will be responsible for enabling and accelerating the mission critical tactical capability that is delivered to the warfighter. The AI Subject Matter Expert will work with our team of software and systems engineers building tactically relevant and technically innovative solutions to ensure the highest impact to the US Navy. Clearance & Location Requirements:All applicants must be able to obtain/maintain an active Secret U.S. Security Clearance.This is an on-site position. Requiring at least 3 days in office, based out of our Arlington, VA, Mt. Laurel, NJ, or San Diego, CA locations. Key Responsibilities What You Will Do: Serve as the organization’s subject matter expert on AI, generative AI, LLMs, machine learning, and emerging AI capabilitiesLead the integration of AI Components into Complex DoW Software EnvironmentsLead the integration of AI models and services into mission-critical software systems.Demonstrate and share AI-enabled engineering techniques that improve team productivity and software qualityLead the definition and evolution of AI-augmented engineering standards, patterns, and best practicesDevelop Intelligent Data Processing and NLP PipelinesDeliver AI‑Enabled Dashboards, Interfaces, and InsightsDevelop proofs-of-concepts and demonstrations to validate potential AI use casesPrototype and evaluate emerging AI developer tooling (e.g. agent frameworks, code copilots, automated testing agents)Use generative AI tools (e.g. LLM copilots, autonomous coding agents, AI test generators) as a core part of daily software engineering workflowsMentor engineering teams on effective use of generative AI in development workflowsHelp identify areas of the software lifecycle that can be accelerated through generative AI and automation. Skills, Knowledge & Expertise Who You Are (Required):Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent full-time professional experience.7+ years of full-time professional experienceAbility to travel up to 10% of the time, as neededDemonstrated curiosity and experimentation with emerging AI technologies and engineering practices.Daily use of generative AI coding tools such as GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Codeium, ChatGPT, Claude, or similar systemsAbility to critically evaluate AI-generated code for correctness, security, and performanceAdvanced level of experience with:agent-based development workflows and AI-assisted engineering environmentsLLM APIs, RAG architectures, vector databases, and model evaluationdesigning prompt workflows or system prompts to improve developer productivityunderstanding of AI concepts and practical deployment patternsusing LLMs for code generation, debugging, test generation, and documentation automationengineering solutions that integrate AI models into production workflows to improve User Experience and productivityDemonstrated ability to scope requirements for engineering solutions that meet business challenges using AI with measurable outcomesUnderstanding of security and compliance considerations when implementing AI solutions, especially in sensitive or classified environments, to support multiple deployment environmentsUnderstanding of secure software development practices and AI-specific security risks as they pertain to a full SDLCStrong problem-solving skills with the ability to define requirements, scope projects, and deliver solutions independentlyStrong communication skills — ability to collaborate and explain complex concepts to diverse audiences, and synthesize details into actionable recommendations and implementationsCross-functional collaboration — builds strong relationships across engineering, security, compliance, etc. What Makes You Stand Out:Experience with:building AI-augmented developer toolingLLM orchestration frameworks (LangChain, LangGraph, Semantic Kernel, etc.)integrating AI capabilities into DevSecOps pipelinesdeploying or operating self-hosted LLMs in secure environmentsProficiency in containerization (Docker, Podman, etc.) and orchestration frameworks (Swarm, Kubernetes, etc.)Development, system integration, and test experience with complex DoW systemsExperience supporting and working with cross-functional teams in a dynamic environmentFamiliarity with US Navy and US Army tactical C2 or sensor system designs (e.g. Aegis, CEC, CAC2S, IBCS, SPY-1)Experience with creating and configuring Virtual Machines (VMware, VirtualBox, etc.)Problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguous situationsExcellence in technical communication with peers and non-technical cohortsAbility to work closely with Program Managers and Chief Engineers to document, manage and communicate systems and software requirementsAttention to detailInitiative, creativity, reliability, teamworkStrong organization and planning skillsSolid analytical abilities, coupled with a strong sense of ownership, urgency and driveIf you see yourself reflected in this role and are excited about the impact you could make, we encourage you to apply! If you know someone who may be a great fit, please feel free to share this opportunity with your network. Pay Range*: $135,000 - $231,000 or $164,000 - $273,000 *Pursuant to California Senate Bill 1162, IDT is required to disclose the “pay scale” or “pay range” associated with a job posting. Notably, however, this amount may not be reflective of actual compensation that may be earned as pay is dependent on a candidate’s experience, skills, and education. The posted range does not include bonuses, commissions, tips, or other benefits. Click here for additional information about Senate Bill 1162. IDT is often looking to place multiple candidates at various levels. Therefore, more than one pay range has been included, commensurate with experience. Job Benefits Why Work at Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT): IDT is a growing company with a vibrant, entrepreneurial culture. We are headquartered in Arlington, VA with additional offices in Fall River, MA; Mount Laurel, NJ; and San Diego, CA. At each location, our employees work together in a modern, snack-filled, and social office space, designing innovative solutions for our defense industry customers. We offer employees competitive pay and benefits including: Generous benefits packageCompetitive PTOPaid holidays401(k) with immediate vesting and matching9/80 optional schedule (2nd and 4th Friday off every month) Tuition Assistance Reimbursement ProgramProfessional Development ResourcesPre-Tax Commuter BenefitsOrganization-Wide Monthly Tech Connect EventsAnnual Employee Recognition AwardsRegular Social Events and Catered LunchesEEO Statement: IDT is an Equal Opportunity employer.