Senior AI Solutions Engineer - JobID-0287

Innovative Defense Technologies; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 273,000; Full time

Job summary

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT) is seeking a Senior AI Solutions Engineer for our Missile Defense team, based in San Diego, CA. The role requires active Secret clearance and on-site presence with 5 days in office.

You will drive AI strategy, prototype solutions, and collaborate across engineering, security, and program management to deliver impactful, secure AI-enabled systems. Strong security practices and government-domain experience are valued.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional software or technical experience.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Active Secret U.S. Security Clearance required.
• Ability to travel up to 10%.

Responsibilities

• Apply AI technologies to improve productivity, decision-making, and automation across engineering and business functions.
• Research, evaluate, and prototype AI tools, frameworks, and platforms to address internal challenges.
• Implement practical AI-enabled solutions that integrate into existing workflows and systems.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across engineering, security, program management, and business teams.
• Integrate AI capabilities into development and operations while ensuring usability and reliability.
• Support internal adoption of AI technologies with guidance and demonstrations.
• Guide the organization on emerging AI trends, platforms, and best practices.
• Work with security/compliance to meet policies and regulations in sensitive environments.
• Continuously evaluate and refine AI adoption strategies to align with needs.

Skills

AI/ML expertise

LLMs

Generative AI

MLOps

CI/CD

Security & compliance

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Data Science/Engineering

Tools

Cloud platforms (AWS/Azure)

Job description

About The Role:

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), a leading defense technology company, is seeking a Senior AI Solutions Engineer to be part of our Missile Defense team and based out of our Mount Laurel, NJ, Arlington, VA or San Diego, CA locations.

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 5 days in office, based out of our San Diego, CA location.

Department

Engineering

Employment Type

Full Time

Location

San Diego, CA

Address

2750 Womble Road, San Diego, Suite 200, California, 92106

Open in Google Maps

Workplace type

Onsite

Compensation

$135,000 - $273,000 / year

Key Responsibilities

• Apply AI technologies to improve productivity, decision-making, and automation across engineering and business functions


• Research, evaluate, and prototype AI tools, frameworks, and platforms to address internal operational challenges


• Implement practical AI-enabled solutions that integrate into existing workflows and systems


• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across engineering, security, program management, and business teams to understand problems and deliver impactful solutions


• Integrate AI capabilities into existing development and operational processes while ensuring usability, reliability, and maintainability


• Support internal adoption of AI technologies by providing guidance, demonstrations, and knowledge sharing


• Guide the organization on emerging AI trends, platforms, and best practices


• Work closely with security and compliance teams to ensure AI solutions meet relevant policies and regulations, particularly in sensitive and classified environments


• Continuously evaluate and refine AI adoption strategies to align with evolving business needs and technology landscapes

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Who You Are (Required):

• 7+ years of professional software or technical experience


• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience


• U.S. citizenship


• Ability to travel up to 10% as needed


• Strong understanding and experience in applying of modern AI technologies-particularly large language models (LLMs), generative AI tools, and AI-assisted development workflows-and practical approaches for integrating them into real-world systems


• Lead designing and implementing technical solutions that leverage AI technologies to improve productivity, automation, or decision-making


• Ability to rapidly prototype and evaluate new technologies to determine their potential value to the organization


• Understanding of secure software development practices and AI-specific security considerations


• Familiarity working within environments that require strong security and compliance controls


• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to independently define requirements, scope initiatives, and deliver practical solutions


• Strong communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences


• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across engineering, security, compliance, and business teams


• Comfortable balancing innovation with security, compliance, and operational constraints

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Knowledge of Naval tactical systems like Aegis, SSDS, SLQ-32, or other similar systems


• Familiarity with MLOps practices such as model lifecycle management, monitoring, and CI/CD integration


• Experience integrating AI capabilities into DevSecOps or CI/CD pipelines


• Hands‑on experience deploying AI-enabled tools or applications into production environments


• Experience working with generative AI technologies, large language models, or natural language processing tools


• Knowledge of NIST 800-53, DISA STIGs and Risk Management Framework processes, or other compliance frameworks specifically on AI systems


• Experience working in defense, government, or other mission-critical domains


• Experience evaluating emerging technologies and guiding organizational adoption


• Understanding of change management strategies for introducing new technologies into established workflows


• Demonstrated ability to mentor and guide junior engineers.

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 package


• Competitive PTO


• Paid holidays


• 401(k) with immediate vesting and matching


• 9/80 optional schedule (2nd and 4th Friday off every month)


• Tuition Assistance Reimbursement Program


• Professional Development Resources


• Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits


• Organization-Wide Monthly Tech Connect Events


• Annual Employee Recognition Awards


• Regular Social Events and Catered Lunches

EEO Statement:

IDT is an Equal Opportunity employer.

About Innovative Defense Technologies

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT) is a leading defense technology company focused on rapidly delivering mission-critical software and systems solutions to the U.S. government. The company specializes in automation, digital engineering, and enabling the rapid integration of advanced capabilities into complex weapon and combat systems. These essential solutions empower the warfighter to field, operate, and sustain decisive capability at speed and scale.

At IDT, our employees are developing advanced mission-critical outcomes by consistently delivering high-quality results, fostering innovation, applying rigorous problem-solving, and effectively collaborating across multifaceted teams and stakeholders. Grounded in these competencies, IDT translates complex customer priorities into robust software solutions.