Senior Gen AI & ML Engineer (GovCloud)

General Atomics; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 141,000 - 252,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics (GA) is seeking a senior AI/ML leader to shape our AI strategy, drive generative AI development, and mature our machine learning platforms across cloud and on‑prem environments including Azure Government and AWS GovCloud.

The role partners with data scientists, engineers and subject matter experts to deliver compliant, scalable AI solutions while guiding governance, risk, and security practices in line with NIST, ITAR/EAR and DoD requirements.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD in a technical discipline with extensive ML experience.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement ML/AI solutions at scale under regulatory guidance.
• Proficiency with cloud and on‑prem environments; strong DevOps and security practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and deployment of generative AI solutions.
• Collaborate with data scientists and engineers to deliver valuable AI applications.
• Establish standards, security controls, and governance for AI/ML programs.
• Mentor teams and provide technical leadership across ITS and business units.

Skills

AI/ML leadership

DevOps

AWS

Azure

GovCloud

Compliance

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering/Math

Master's or PhD preferred

Tools

AWS GovCloud

Azure Government

NIST/DoD compliance tools

Job description

Job Summary

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Job Summary

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies. Under consultative direction, this position plays a crucial role in shaping our AI strategy, driving generative AI development, maturing our machine learning platforms and processes, and ensuring excellence across our AI/ML initiatives. They will support our long‑range strategy, goals, and objectives by designing and developing AI solutions using cloud and on‑prem software platforms including Azure, AWS, and others as needed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Generative AI Development

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of integrated custom solutions that leverage generative AI models using various design patterns including Prompting & Context Management, Responsible AI, RAG, Agentic & Multi-Agent workflows, and AI for data analytics.
• Collaborate with data scientists, engineers, and subject matter experts to create AI solutions that provide significant value to the company while keeping ethical considerations and bias mitigation as a priority.
• Design AI solutions with data-classification and sensitivity controls to prevent CUI/export‑controlled data exposure to unauthorized environments.

Standards and Best Practices

• Establish coding standards, documentation practices, and quality assurance processes for AI/ML projects.
• Ensure compliance with industry best practices and security protocols such as but not limited to: NIST 800-171, CMMC Level 2, NIST AI RMF and the DoD Responsible AI principles.
• Foster close working partnerships with cyber, risk management and other compliance stakeholders.

LLM Ops Integration

• Design and develop new processes to support the integration of AI/ML pipelines into our GovCloud / Azure Government / GCC High, IL4, CI/CD workflows.
• Automate model deployment, testing, monitoring, and scaling.
• Integrate into approved change control process
• Responsible for model administration, observability, and governance

AI Center of Excellence

• Support the design, build, and growth of our AI Agentic Platform Architecture.
• Drive innovation by staying abreast of AI trends and fostering a culture of continuous learning.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify new AI opportunities and pilot projects that align with business goals.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to other developers in ITS and the business, establishing a Community of Practice for AI.
• Provide second/third tier user support for AI solutions as needed.
• May act in a technical leadership role to lead cross-functional teams in the development and delivery of AI solutions.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company. Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelors masters degree or PhD in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive machine learning experience as follows; nine or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, seven or more years of experience with a masters degree, or four or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent machine learning engineer experience in lieu of education.
• Must demonstrate the application of advanced technical principles, theories, concepts, and techniques in the design of machine learning and artificial intelligence solutions.
• Must be proficient with DevOps platforms and processes either cloud based or on‑prem.
• Must be experienced with configurating and deploying solutions in AWS and/or Azure cloud platforms.
• Must have excellent organization skills including planning and coordinating work assignments to meet project milestones or completion dates.
• Should be familiar with ITAR/EAR standards or handing export‑controlled technical data.
• Should be familiar with CUI, ITAR, and proprietary data regulations.
• Must be customer focused and possess:
• the ability to identify and analyze issues and develop solutions to complex problems;
• strong analytical, verbal and written communication skills to accurately document, report, and present findings;
• strong interpersonal skill to interface with all levels of employees, management and external contacts; and
• strong computer skills.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment is essential.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 140,940 - 252,293