AI (ML) Engineer - Colorado Springs, CO

Davidson Technologies, Inc.; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Davidson Technologies, Inc. in Colorado Springs seeks an AI/ML Engineer to join a fast-paced program supporting the Missile Defense Agency.

You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to create AI/ML products, train models, and deploy them into production environments, delivering advanced AI capabilities for defense applications. The role requires strong AI/ML fundamentals, experience across DL, NLP, CV, RL, and familiarity with MLOps, Python/C/C++, and Linux.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM with 4–6+ years relevant experience.
• Familiarity with AI/ML techniques: deep learning, NLP, CV, RL.
• Experience with LLMs and prompt engineering.
• Knowledge of optimization methods: genetic algorithms, simulated annealing, Bayesian optimization, PSO.
• Familiarity with ML algorithms: DT, RF, SVM, NN, CNN, LSTM.
• Experience evaluating models: cross-validation, drift, bias testing.
• Familiarity with AI governance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an AI Engineer for multiple AI/ML projects and the training environment.
• Collaborate with data team members and SMEs on model development.
• Develop advanced optimization models for product enhancement.
• Train models within a software product to deliver value.
• Support lifecycle from problem definition to deployment and monitoring.
• Design and implement AI/ML models and algorithms.
• Ensure quality and accuracy via rigorous testing.
• Collaborate with software, security, and DevOps to deploy models.
• Monitor model performance and identify improvements.
• Communicate AI concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Coordinate with teams using AI/ML products.
• Work with AI/ML Lead to define problem statements and success metrics.

Skills

AI/ML techniques

Deep learning

Natural language processing

Computer vision

Reinforcement learning

LLMs

Prompt engineering

Genetic algorithms

Simulated annealing

Bayesian optimization

Particle swarm optimization

Python

C

C++

NumPy

Pandas

SciPy

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Git

GitLab

Linux

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Master’s degree (optional)

Tools

Python

C

C++

Job description

Davidson is distinguished in the aerospace and missile defense industry, in part, because of its excellence in hiring exceptional experts, engineers and software developers dedicated to delivering advanced, intelligent technology solutions in defense of our nation.

Davidson is seeking an AI (ML) Engineer in Colorado Springs, CO.

This position is an integral part of a fast-paced, innovative program for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) involving the creation of advanced M&S, Optimization, and AI capabilities in support of the Guam Defense System (GDS). The program works cross-functionally with innovative team members skilled in Modeling & Simulation (M&S), Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML), DevSecOps, and Cybersecurity.

The ideal candidate will possess a fundamental understanding of AI/ML principles, experience supporting AI/ML projects from conception to deployment, and strong communication skills. As an AI/ML Engineer, you will be responsible for developing AI/ML products directly feeding the AI/ML strategy, communicating AI/ML concepts and results to both technical and non-technical audiences, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative AI-powered solutions. The selected individual must be able to work with little direct supervision, work as an integral member of a product delivery team and meet time critical delivery schedules.

Work will be performed at a contractor facility in Colorado Springs, CO and at Schriever SFB.

All team members should be able to:

• Experiment with innovative theories, ideas, and concepts to expand the realm of the possible
• Self-organize and participate in an Agile development lifecycle
• Ask questions and build consensus within a cross-functional team
• Provide design inputs and collaborate to decompose, estimate, and refine backlog requirements

Job Responsibilities:

• Candidate will serve as an AI Engineer for a team creating multiple AI/ML projects and the development and training environment in which they are created.

• Primary responsibilities include close collaboration with data team members, collaboration with functional SMEs, and developing advanced optimization models for customer product enhancement

• Train models and algorithms within a software product across a cross-functional team to provide value to our customer

• Support the full lifecycle of AI/ML projects, from problem definition and data collection to model development, deployment, and monitoring.

• Design, develop, and implement AI/ML models and algorithms using appropriate tools and techniques.

• Ensure the quality and accuracy of AI/ML models through rigorous testing and validation.

• Collaborate with software engineers, network security, and DevOps teams to deploy AI/ML models into production environments.

• Model performance of AI/ML models in production and identify areas for improvement.

• Communicate AI/ML concepts and results effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Work in close coordination with multiple teams that will use AI/ML products.

• Work with AI/ML Lead to define problem statements and success metrics for AI/ML products.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline with 4 to 6+ years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree and 3 years experience.
• AI Experience
  • Familiarity in a variety of AI/ML techniques, including deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and reinforcement learning.
  • Experience with Large Language Models/Generative AI and Prompt Engineering. Also, using LLM/GAI solutions for usage in human-machine teaming for Software Development. Algorithmic understanding of heuristic and black box approaches for optimization, such as Genetic Algorithms, Simulated Annealing, Bayesian Optimization, and Particle Swarm Optimization.
  • Familiarity with ML algorithms, such as Decision Tree, Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, Neural Network, Convolutional Neural Network, Long Short-Term Memory.
  • Experience evaluating models using common AI/ML concepts (e.g. cross-validation, drift monitoring, model cards, bias/fairness testing).
  • Familiarity with response AI/model governance.
• AI Development Experience
  • Proficient in building optimization models with one of the following languages: Python, C, C++
  • Understanding of Python's common data stack (NumPy, Pandas, SciPy)
  • Experience with common ML frameworks for Python (scikit-learn, Tensorflow, PyTorch)
• Development Environment Experience
  • Experience with collaborative programming tools (Git, Gitlab)
  • Familiarity with Linux operating systems.
• Team Environment and Communication
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills; including presentation skills.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Must be self-motivated, able to work effectively in a dynamic and collaborative team environment.
• Ability for some limited travel (less than 10% time) to support program meetings.
• Excellent communication skills

Desired Competencies/Experience/Certifications:

• 5+ years of relevant experience in Operations Research/Machine Learning
• Demonstrable experience building ML models in Python
• Experience with data manipulation and ML for big datasets
• Experience with MLOps tools (Kubeflow, MLflow, DVC)
• Knowledge of modern application development to include containerization (Docker/K8S)
• Demonstrable experience applying analytical and programming skills to solve optimization problems
• Strong algorithmic understanding of classical optimization techniques. (e.g., linear programming, gradient descent).
• Familiarity with Agile processes/development methodology
• Familiarity with cloud computing platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP.

Clearance Requirements:

• Holds active DoD Secret clearance at time of application and able to obtain Top Secret Security clearance.