AI Automation Specialist

KC; Johnstown (AL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Karthik Consulting, LLC is seeking an AI Automation Specialist to identify, prototype, and implement Government-approved automation and emerging technologies for DAFOS modernization. The role collaborates with engineers and mission stakeholders to reduce manual effort and address technical debt, on-site at Gunter Annex, AL.

Salary is anticipated at $140,000-$145,000 with an Active Secret clearance requirement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Information Systems, or a related field preferred. Equivalent relevant automation and applied AI engineering experience may be considered.
• Experience delivering practical automation or applied AI solutions that improve software delivery or operational workflows.
• Proficiency with Python or comparable scripting, APIs, source control, automated testing, and integration with enterprise systems.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required SIPRNet and role-appropriate privileged access. Work requiring SIPRNet access must be performed at an authorized Government facility.

Responsibilities

• Identify repetitive tasks and modernization opportunities with the Government and technical team; define the baseline and intended improvement for each proposed use case.
• Prototype AI-assisted development, generative AI, workflow automation, bots, low-code/no-code, or digital experience capabilities within approved environments.
• Recommend solutions with documented feasibility, security implications, integration needs, limitations, and expected reductions in effort or technical debt.
• Implement only Government-approved capabilities and integrate them with applicable Java, Python, APIs, Git workflows, and program delivery tools.
• Automate selected development, testing, reporting, documentation, or operational workflows in coordination with the owners of those functions.
• Version-control scripts and configurations, document dependencies, and build maintainable interfaces rather than isolated prototypes.
• Evaluate generated outputs for accuracy, security, and mission suitability; require appropriate human review and repeatable tests before operational use.
• Keep all source code, prompts containing Government data, test artifacts, and documentation within Government-furnished environments and approved services.
• Apply approved access controls, scan automation code, and support traceability, peer review, and release evidence for delivered capabilities.
• Mentor team members in approved emerging technologies and document operating procedures, limitations, and support responsibilities.
• Measure outcomes such as time saved, fewer manual steps, improved test execution, better user experience, or reduced technical debt.
• Support sprint demonstrations, release integration, and troubleshooting; recommend adjustments based on measured results and stakeholder feedback.

Skills

Python scripting

API integration

Automation experience

DevSecOps awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Java

AWS SDK

CI/CD automation

Job description

Position Summary

The AI Automation Specialist identifies, prototypes, and implements Government-approved automation and emerging technology solutions for DAFOS modernization. The role works with engineers and mission stakeholders to reduce manual effort, improve development and support processes, and address technical debt. It evaluates AI, generative AI, bots, low-code/no-code capabilities, and user experience improvements against measurable program outcomes and classified data handling requirements.This position is contingent based on award, with an anticipated salary range of $140,000-$145,000 based on candidate qualifications and final contract requirements.

Work Environment

• Work Location: Gunter Annex, AL. On-site
• Security Clearance: Active Secret
• Salary: $140K-$145K

Compensation

Karthik Consulting is committed to providing competitive compensation based on the responsibilities of the role, required qualifications, security clearance level, relevant experience, certifications, customer requirements, geographic location, and overall business needs. The salary range listed for this position represents a good-faith estimate of the current compensation range for this role.

At Karthik Consulting, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range. Final compensation decisions are based on the facts and circumstances of each candidate’s experience, qualifications, certifications, clearance level, contract requirements, and overall alignment with the role.

Employees may be eligible for company benefits and additional compensation programs, subject to company policy, contract requirements, and individual eligibility.

Program Scope and Description

The Global Force Management Data Initiative supports the Department of the Air Force Organizational Server (DAFOS). DAFOS validates authoritative Air Force data and publishes standardized unit, billet, crew, platform, vehicle, and command relationship information for Joint Staff war and contingency planning across past, present, and future timeframes.

The effort modernizes and sustains DAFOS in Air Force Cloud One AWS. Services include full-stack software development, testing, DevSecOps, cloud administration, database engineering, Agile facilitation, and approved automation. Optional capabilities augment technical documentation and Agile program support when activated by the Government.

Key Responsibilities

Opportunity Assessment and Prototyping

• Identify repetitive tasks and modernization opportunities with the Government and technical team; define the baseline and intended improvement for each proposed use case.
• Prototype AI-assisted development, generative AI, workflow automation, bots, low-code/no-code, or digital experience capabilities within approved environments.
• Recommend solutions with documented feasibility, security implications, integration needs, limitations, and expected reductions in effort or technical debt.

Approved Automation Implementation

• Implement only Government-approved capabilities and integrate them with applicable Java, Python, APIs, Git workflows, and program delivery tools.
• Automate selected development, testing, reporting, documentation, or operational workflows in coordination with the owners of those functions.
• Version-control scripts and configurations, document dependencies, and build maintainable interfaces rather than isolated prototypes.

Validation and Information Protection

• Evaluate generated outputs for accuracy, security, and mission suitability; require appropriate human review and repeatable tests before operational use.
• Keep all source code, prompts containing Government data, test artifacts, and documentation within Government-furnished environments and approved services.
• Apply approved access controls, scan automation code, and support traceability, peer review, and release evidence for delivered capabilities.

Adoption and Measurable Improvement

• Mentor team members in approved emerging technologies and document operating procedures, limitations, and support responsibilities.
• Measure outcomes such as time saved, fewer manual steps, improved test execution, better user experience, or reduced technical debt.
• Support sprint demonstrations, release integration, and troubleshooting; recommend adjustments based on measured results and stakeholder feedback.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Information Systems, or a related field preferred. Equivalent relevant automation and applied AI engineering experience may be considered.

Professional Certifications

• Preferred: Relevant AWS, applied AI/ML, software development, or automation certification.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current, fully adjudicated Secret clearance before contract performance; maintain clearance throughout assignment. Interim clearances are not accepted.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required SIPRNet and role-appropriate privileged access. Work requiring SIPRNet access must be performed at an authorized Government facility.
• Experience delivering practical automation or applied AI solutions that improve software delivery or operational workflows.
• Proficiency with Python or comparable scripting, APIs, source control, automated testing, and integration with enterprise systems.
• Ability to assess generative AI outputs, implementation risks, data exposure, and appropriate review controls.
• Experience defining measurable outcomes, documenting solutions, and transitioning prototypes into maintainable capabilities.
• Ability to work across developers, testers, cloud engineers, and mission stakeholders without bypassing Government technology approval.
• Perform technical work exclusively in Government-furnished environments and use only Government-approved communication systems; protect classified and controlled information.
• Ability to support the agreed work schedule, Government-directed core hours, occasional support outside normal hours, and approved travel as mission needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Java, AWS SDK, CI/CD automation, AI-assisted coding, bots, low-code/no-code tools, or digital experience platforms.
• Experience operating AI or automation within controlled government environments and protecting classified or controlled information.
• Familiarity with Cloud One, DAFOS data flows, DevSecOps security scans, and modernization of enterprise data systems.