AI/ML Engineer

CFD Research is seeking an AI/ML Engineer to build and deploy advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions that modernize mission systems and accelerate decision-making across the national security ecosystem. The candidate will contribute end-to-end—spanning data processing, model development, MLOps, and integration of scalable AI capabilities into operational environments.

The work will leverage experience with ML-based NLP, LLMs and generative AI, computer vision, and modern software engineering practices. We value first-principles reasoning and physically interpretable models, so an interest in or experience developing hybrid systems is highly desirable. Candidates should be motivated by building systems that are scientifically explainable, empirically validated, and capable of operating robustly across sensing environments. You will partner with cross-functional engineering, mission SMEs, and product teams to deliver production-grade systems.

• Develop and implement AI/ML models—including NLP, LLM-based pipelines, deep learning architectures, and computer vision models—aligned to mission requirements.
• Build and maintain scalable data pipelines to support training, evaluation, and continuous improvement of models.
• Develop components of end-to-end production systems including microservices, APIs, automation frameworks, and cloud-native AI services.
• Integrate AI/ML capabilities into operational environments with attention to security, reliability, observability, and performance.
• Conduct model optimization, tuning, versioning, and A/B testing to ensure robust mission impact.
• Apply modern software engineering patterns (Python, Java, Scala, Rust; microservices; distributed systems).
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to identify mission needs and translate requirements into technical solutions.
• Prepare technical documentation, contribute to design reviews, and support accreditation processes in classified environments.

Basic Qualifications:

• 2–6 years of experience developing machine learning models (such as: NLP/LLM, CV, deep learning, generative AI, or related).
• 2–6 years of experience developing AI/ML capabilities to operate in a microservice stack.
• Candidate must possess an ACTIVE TS/SCI security clearance to be considered.
• Experience working with APIs, microservices, or distributed systems.
• Experience with data processing frameworks and scientific computing libraries (such as: NumPy, Pandas, PyTorch, TensorFlow, or scikit-learn).
• Experience configuring or deploying software systems in operational environments.
• Experience with CI/CD tooling, source control (such as GitLab), and containerization technologies (such as: Docker or Kubernetes).
• TS/SCI clearance, and willingness to take a polygraph.
• Bachelor's degree in a related STEM field.

• U.S. Citizenship is REQUIRED.

Desired Qualifications:

• Exposure to GPU programming (CUDA or RAPIDs) or AWS containerization.
• Understanding of LLM orchestration, RAG pipelines, or hallucination mitigation workflows.
• Familiarity with MLOps platforms or hybrid cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Familiarity with automated testing tools and model evaluation frameworks.
• Master’s degree in Computer Science, AI/ML Engineering, Data Science, or related STEM field.

Location: This role is based in the Dayton, OH area, and is 100% onsite.