Senior AI Engineer

AI / Machine Learning Engineer

Mid-Level / Senior Level | $90,000 - $110,000 | Onsite | Top Secret Clearance Required | U.S. Citizenship Required

Support the modernization of strategic defense mission systems by developing advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) capabilities for U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM). Join a multidisciplinary engineering team responsible for designing intelligent software solutions, developing machine learning models, and integrating AI-driven capabilities into mission planning and command and control (C2) systems. You'll also help advance AI adoption across the engineering lifecycle by enabling automation, improving developer productivity, and supporting next-generation software development practices.
A Day in the Life - What you'll do

• Design, develop, and deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) solutions supporting strategic mission planning and command and control (C2) systems.
• Develop machine learning models, predictive algorithms, and data analytics solutions that improve mission effectiveness and operational decision-making.
• Analyze structured and unstructured data to identify trends, generate insights, and support data-driven engineering decisions.
• Develop software applications and automation tools using Python and modern AI/ML frameworks.
• Integrate AI and ML capabilities into existing operational mission systems while ensuring performance, security, and reliability requirements are met.
• Collaborate closely with systems engineers, software developers, architects, product owners, Scrum Masters, and government stakeholders throughout the software development lifecycle.
• Evaluate, test, validate, and optimize AI/ML models to improve model accuracy, scalability, and operational performance.
• Support the implementation of MLOps practices for model deployment, versioning, monitoring, and lifecycle management.
• Research emerging AI technologies, machine learning techniques, and generative AI capabilities to identify opportunities for mission modernization.
• Serve as an AI/ML technical resource by identifying opportunities to automate engineering workflows, software development, testing, and documentation throughout the engineering lifecycle.
• Develop technical documentation, model documentation, and engineering artifacts supporting AI/ML implementation and sustainment.
• Present AI/ML concepts, technical findings, and implementation strategies to engineering teams, program leadership, and government customers.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) discipline from an accredited university.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Active DoD Top Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance with required special access.
• Demonstrated experience developing algorithms and solving complex analytical problems using Python.
• Experience designing, developing, or integrating Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning solutions.
• Familiarity integrating AI/ML capabilities into operational software or mission systems.
• Strong understanding of machine learning concepts, data analytics, and statistical modeling techniques.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and software development skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) missions including Intelligence, Mission Planning, or Command & Control (C2).
• Experience implementing MLOps pipelines and machine learning lifecycle management.
• Experience applying AI and machine learning throughout the software or systems engineering lifecycle.
• Experience using Generative AI tools to improve software development, engineering productivity, or code generation.
• Experience evaluating, validating, and testing AI/ML models in operational environments.
• Experience supporting Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC) systems including:
  • Strategic Mission Planning and Execution System (SMPES)
  • Mission Planning and Analysis System (MPAS)
  • Nuclear Planning and Execution System (NPES)
• Experience developing AI-enabled automation for software engineering or DevSecOps workflows.
• Experience working with modern AI/ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, or similar technologies.
• Experience supporting classified Department of Defense software development programs.

Who is Caribou Thunder?

Caribou Thunder is a HUBZone-certified small business providing advanced technical and engineering services to the U.S. Department of Defense and its mission partners.

35+ states and 20+ countries.

We've delivered trusted solutions for over two decades-strengthening national readiness across missions on land, undersea, in the air, and throughout LEO, MEO, GEO, and deep space.
Why Caribou Thunder?
TEAM THUNDER - Mission Focused. Delivery Proven. Ready to Serve.

• Employee Advocacy
• Mission Proven
• Global Reach
• Skilled Teams
• Modern Tools
• Empowering Culture

Our engineers and innovators ensure capability from sea floor to space frontier-delivering on time, maintaining compliance, and performing with precision in high-consequence environments.

We specialize in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Software Development, DevSecOps, Cybersecurity, Digital Engineering, and Modeling & Simulation-disciplines powering the nation's most complex technical missions.
Employee Advocacy + Benefits

Our people are the heart of Caribou Thunder. We invest in their growth, flexibility, and well-being-knowing their success drives ours.

Benefits include:

• Premium Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with 6% Company Match
• Flexible PTO & Work Schedule
• Education & Certification Reimbursement
• Support for Military Leave
• Work-Life Balance & Traditional Family Values

Your future, your flexibility, your well-being-we invest in you.

Apply and let's connect.