Jr. AI Developer/Data Scientist

Koniag IT Systems (KITS), a Koniag Government Services company, is seeking a motivated and skilled Junior AI Developer/Data Scientist to support AI/ML initiatives for the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) at Stennis Space Center. The ideal candidate will work closely with AI/ML subject matter experts to develop innovative technical solutions for government clients. This role offers an excellent opportunity to grow your career in artificial intelligence and machine learning while supporting critical naval operations. Candidates must be able to obtain a Secret clearance.

We offer competitive compensation and an extraordinary benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance, 401K with company matching, flexible spending accounts, paid holidays, three weeks paid time off, and more.

The Junior AI Developer/Data Scientist will work as part of a team supporting AI/ML initiatives for NAVOCEANO. Principal responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Support AI/ML Subject Matter Experts in gathering customer requirements and translating them into feasible technical solutions
• Work with cloud platforms, particularly AWS, to implement data management and machine learning solutions
• Research, review, and synthesize state-of-the-art approaches from AI/ML research literature to inform project approaches
• Support KGS AI efforts across various government agencies
• Rapidly prototype and iterate on machine learning solutions based on customer feedback
• Process and analyze large datasets using tools such as Dask, Xarray, and pandas
• Develop and implement machine learning models using libraries like PyTorch or Scikit-learn
• Communicate results and findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to apply AI/ML technologies to novel or unfamiliar domains
• Create documentation for developed solutions and research findings

Education and Experience:

Required:

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or relevant field
• Experience with Python programming in a data science or machine learning context
• Experience with machine learning libraries such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or Scikit-learn
• Familiarity with cloud computing platforms, particularly AWS

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Secret clearance strongly preferred; must be Secret clearable
• Strong programming skills in Python, with demonstrated experience using machine learning libraries like PyTorch or Scikit-learn
• Experience gathering requirements from customers and translating them to technical solutions
• Ability to rapidly prototype and iterate on machine learning solutions, incorporating customer feedback
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences
• Experience with cloud platforms, particularly AWS, for data management and machine learning
• Familiarity with data processing tools (e.g., Dask, Xarray, pandas)
• Demonstrated skill in reviewing and synthesizing state-of-the-art approaches from the AI/ML research literature
• Ability to apply AI/ML technologies to novel or unfamiliar domains in collaboration with relevant subject matter experts
• Willingness to work at Stennis Space Center

Desired Skills and Competencies:

• Active Secret clearance
• Prior experience working with government agencies or defense contractors
• Knowledge of oceanographic data or related scientific domains
• Experience with version control systems such as Git
• Familiarity with containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Experience with data visualization tools and libraries
• Understanding of DevOps practices
• Background in deep learning or reinforcement learning
• Experience with MLOps tools and practices
• Prior work with geospatial data or GIS systems

Our Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

The company is an equal opportunity employer. The company shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity (except where gender is a bona fide occupational qualification), national origin or ancestry, age, disability, citizenship, military/veteran status, marital status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to equal employment opportunity in all decisions related to employment, promotion, wages, benefits, and all other privileges, terms, and conditions of employment.

The company is dedicated to seeking all qualified applicants. If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply for a position on our website, please get in touch with Heaven Wood via e-mail at accommodations@koniag-gs.com or by calling 703-488-9377 to request accommodations.

Koniag Government Services (KGS) is an Alaska Native Owned corporation supporting the values and traditions of our native communities through an agile employee and corporate culture that delivers Enterprise Solutions, Professional Services and Operational Management to Federal Government Agencies. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Koniag, we apply our proven commercial solutions to a deep knowledge of Defense and Civilian missions to provide forward leaning technical, professional, and operational solutions. KGS enables successful mission outcomes for our customers through solution-oriented business partnerships and a commitment to exceptional service delivery. We ensure long-term success with a continuous improvement approach while balancing the collective interests of our customers, employees, and native communities. For more information, please visit www.koniag-gs.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. Shareholder Preference in accordance with Public Law 88-352