AI / ML Engineer

DESE's Cyber Works and Digital Engineering teams design, build, and integrate emerging AI/ML technologies to harden and secure the systems that defend the nation, across ground, missile defense, space, and installation infrastructure S&T programs.your assignment may emphasize one or a blend of: Classic ML & Predictive Modeling, LLM/GenAI Applications, AI Assurance & Responsible AI, Edge AI/ML Deployment, and hardening AI/ML systems against adversarial threats. Design, develop, and maintain machine learning models, from classical algorithms (regression, tree ensembles, clustering) to modern deep learning architectures. Build LLM-enabled applications and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines, including vector embedding generation, vector database integration, and prompt/context engineering. Develop AI assurance and evaluation tooling: robustness testing, bias/fairness analysis, model traceability, red-team/adversarial testing, and audit artifact generation. Implement secure model and data pipelines, defend against adversarial ML threats, and ensure supply-chain integrity (SBOM) for AI components. Conduct data processing/analysis to improve model accuracy; document and present development processes and assurance evidence to stakeholders. Contribute to Agile, team-based planning and estimating in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in CS/CPE/EE/Data Science (or related field).ML/LLM development, assurance/evaluation tooling, or deploying edge computing solutions. Hands-on experience with ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Scikit-learn. Proficiency in Python and at least one additional language (Java, C++).Strong understanding of data structures, data modeling, and software architecture. Modern AI: LLM frameworks and application development; vector embeddings and vector databases; Classic ML: Feature engineering, model selection/tuning, statistical analysis, and predictive modeling across structured and unstructured data. AI Assurance: Responsible AI practices (robustness, bias/fairness, traceability); adversarial ML defenses; red-team testing; Edge & Deployment: ONNX/TensorRT, quantization/compression, ARM/NVIDIA Jetson/DSP targets, containerized inference, MLOps in controlled/classified environments. Platform & DevSecOps: REST APIs, CI/CD for software and ML systems, SAST/DAST, Infrastructure-as-Code, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).Domain: Familiarity with computer networking, secure system integration for mission platforms, and test/V&V support (Python/MATLAB analysis).Contributions to open-source AI/ML projects; experience deploying AI models in production, classified, or embedded environments. Understanding of computer security principles and secure software development lifecycle (SSDLC) practices. You'll join a high-impact team solving some of the DoD's hardest problems in AI-enabled system security, building the next generation of trusted, auditable, and mission-ready AI for national defense. For the past 43 years, DESE has provided industry-leading technical and engineering solutions in the fields of Defense, Energy, Space, and Environment. Competitive health, dental and vision insurance with affordable premiums Flexible work schedules Two different flexible spending account options Company paid life insurance with options for employee paid additional Performance bonus program Education reimbursement program Company paid personal leave for approved philanthropic activities Vacation, Sick & Holiday leave Disability Accommodation for Applicants - DESE Research, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in its job application procedures. If you have any difficulty using our online system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, you may use the following alternative email address or phone number to contact us about your interest in employment with us: hrandsecurity@dese.