Staff Algorithm/AI Engineer

Twenty-Six Defense; Merrimack (NH); On-site; USD 160,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Most locations 9/80 schedule

401(k) program

Medical/dental/vision coverage

Life Insurance

Flexible Vacation & PTO

Parental Leave

Employee Referral Program

Voluntary Benefits

Tricare Supplement for retirees

Job summary

Twenty-Six Defense seeks a Staff Algorithm/AI Engineer to design, develop, and deploy advanced AI solutions for defense and aviation markets. The role combines deep AI/ML expertise with leadership, collaboration, and strategic impact across product teams.

You will mentor engineers, align AI initiatives with business goals, and help establish governance for responsible AI practices while delivering scalable, production-grade models in dynamic environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or related field; PhD preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in AI/ML engineering or related roles.
• Proven track record of delivering production-grade machine learning models and AI solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement scalable ML/AI algorithms for business-critical applications.
• Lead cross-team AI/ML projects, driving technical direction and best practices.
• Mentor junior engineers and data scientists; provide coaching and guidance.
• Oversee evaluation, validation, and monitoring of models for accuracy, fairness, and compliance.
• Establish and enforce code quality, model documentation, and reproducibility standards.
• Contribute to AI governance frameworks and responsible AI practices.
• Identify opportunities to optimize models and processes to improve performance.

Skills

AI/ML leadership

Collaboration

Leadership

Business acumen

Adaptability

Communication

Ethics & integrity

Education

Bachelor/Master/PhD in CS/Math/Engineering

8+ years AI/ML exp.

Prod-grade ML track record

Job description

Company Information

Twenty-Six Defense, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is a leading provider of high-performance products, system solutions, and aftermarket support services focusing on the defense, homeland security, and commercial aviation markets. With facilities throughout the U.S., Twenty-Six Defense supports those who contribute to the national security of the United States. Twenty-Six Defense is wholly owned by Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT and TASE: ESLT), a global high-technology company engaged in a wide range of programs for innovative defense and commercial applications.

Company Information

Twenty-Six Defense, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is a leading provider of high-performance products, system solutions, and aftermarket support services focusing on the defense, homeland security, and commercial aviation markets. With facilities throughout the U.S., Twenty-Six Defense supports those who contribute to the national security of the United States. Twenty-Six Defense is wholly owned by Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT and TASE: ESLT), a global high-technology company engaged in a wide range of programs for innovative defense and commercial applications.

Summary Of Responsibilities

Job Summary

The Staff Algorithm/AI Engineer is a senior technical expert responsible for designing, developing, and deploying advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence solutions to solve complex business problems. This role combines deep technical expertise in AI/ML with strong collaboration and leadership skills, influencing both project direction and organizational AI strategy. The Staff Engineer partners closely with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable and innovative AI-driven products, while mentoring junior engineers and acting as a subject matter expert.

Responsibilities And Tasks

• Design, develop, and implement scalable machine learning and AI algorithms for business-critical applications.
• Lead complex, cross-team AI/ML projects, driving technical direction, best practices, and innovation.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI/ML, and translate research into practical, deployable solutions.
• Work closely with product managers, data scientists, engineers, and business stakeholders to align AI solutions with organizational goals.
• Provide technical guidance, coaching, and mentorship to less experienced engineers and data scientists.
• Oversee the evaluation, validation, and monitoring of machine learning models, ensuring accuracy, fairness, and compliance.
• Set and enforce high standards for code quality, model documentation, and reproducibility.
• Contribute to the establishment and enforcement of AI/ML governance frameworks, ensuring responsible and ethical AI practices.
• Identify opportunities to optimize existing models and processes, driving efficiency and performance improvements.

Knowledge (Education/License/Certification, Prior Experience)

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or related field; PhD preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in AI/ML engineering or related technical roles.
• Proven track record of delivering production-grade machine learning models and AI solutions.

Skills And Abilities

• Technical Expertise: Recognized authority in AI/ML; drives innovation and sets technical direction.
• Collaboration & Influence: Builds strong cross-functional relationships; influences stakeholders and project outcomes.
• Leadership: Demonstrates thought leadership and mentors others; leads by example.
• Business Acumen: Understands business drivers; aligns technical solutions with strategic objectives.
• Adaptability: Embraces change, drives continuous learning, and adapts to evolving technologies.
• Communication: Articulates complex technical topics clearly; tailors communication to diverse audiences.
• Ethics & Integrity: Upholds high ethical standards; champions responsible AI practices.

Here Are Some Of The Great Benefits We Offer

• Most locations offer a 9/80 schedule, providing every other Friday off
• Competitive compensation & 401(k) program to plan for your future
• Robust medical, dental, vision, & disability coverage with qualified wellness discounts
• Basic Life Insurance and Additional Life & AD&D Insurances are available
• Flexible Vacation & PTO
• Paid Parental Leave
• Generous Employee Referral Program
• Voluntary Benefits Available: Long-Term Care, Legal, Identity Theft, Pet Insurance, and more
• Voluntary Tricare Supplement available for military retirees

This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not an employment contract. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Twenty-Six Defense is an equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Salary

• For Virginia-based positions only* In accordance with Virginia DOL requirements, the listed salary range reflects the anticipated base pay range for this role. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including skills, experience, education, certifications, business needs, internal equity, and geographic location. Compensation may vary in different locations based on market conditions and cost-of-labor considerations.