Mission-Impact AI/ML Engineer (NLP/LLMs)

Latitude; Beavercreek, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

CFD Research is seeking an AI/ML Engineer to build and deploy advanced AI/ML solutions that modernize mission systems and accelerate decision-making across the national security ecosystem. The role spans data processing, model development, MLOps, and integration of scalable AI into operational environments.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with NLP/LLMs, computer vision, and microservice architectures, plus strong Python/JS/Java/C++ tooling and a willingness to work in classified

Qualifications

• 2–6 years of experience developing ML models (NLP/LLM, CV, DL, or related).
• 2–6 years of experience building AI/ML capabilities in a microservice stack.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance (required).
• Experience with APIs, microservices, or distributed systems.
• Experience with data processing and scientific computing libs (NumPy, Pandas, PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit-learn).
• Experience with CI/CD tooling, GitLab, and containerization (Docker/Kubernetes).
• Willingness to take a polygraph; U.S. Citizenship REQUIRED.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related STEM field.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deploy ML models including NLP, LLM pipelines, DL and CV models.
• Build scalable data pipelines for training and evaluation.
• Create end-to-end production components: microservices, APIs, automation frameworks, cloud-native AI services.
• Integrate AI/ML into operational environments with focus on security, reliability and performance.
• Conduct model tuning, versioning, and A/B testing for mission impact.
• Apply Python, Java, Scala, or Rust in distributed microservice architectures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate mission needs into tech solutions.
• Prepare technical docs, support design reviews and accreditation in classified settings.

Skills

Machine learning

APIs & microservices

CI/CD tooling

Distributed systems

Security clearance

Software engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Master's degree in CS/AI/DS (desired)

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

PyTorch

TensorFlow

scikit-learn

NumPy

Pandas

Python

Java

Scala

Rust

CUDA

Job description

CFD Research is seeking an AI/ML Engineer to build and deploy advanced AI/ML solutions that modernize mission systems and accelerate decision-making across the national security ecosystem. The role spans data processing, model development, MLOps, and integration of scalable AI into operational environments.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with NLP/LLMs, computer vision, and microservice architectures, plus strong Python/JS/Java/C++ tooling and a willingness to work in classified