Senior AI Technical Specialist

Company Overview
Development InfoStructure LLC., (Devis) is a leading provider of innovative software development, management, and consulting services, specializing in cutting-edge technologies such as DevSecOps, AI, and Machine Learning. With over 30 years of experience, we have established ourselves as a trusted partner for government agencies, delivering tailored, mission-critical solutions that drive digital transformation and operational excellence. Our client-centric approach, coupled with our deep domain expertise and technical prowess, enables us to forge enduring relationships and consistently deliver high-impact, adaptive solutions that resonate with the unique needs of the public sector.

Job Overview
The Senior AI Technical Specialist will serve as the primary technical resource supporting the Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) Digital Capabilities Directorate in their digital transformation initiatives. This role requires comprehensive expertise across artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, and software engineering to improve collaboration and execution of AFRL programs, projects, and deliverables. The Senior AI Technical Specialist will provide strategic guidance, technical leadership, and hands-on support to drive innovation and operational excellence in AFRL's AI initiatives while serving as a bridge between research objectives and practical implementation.
This role is contingent upon award, and will be hybrid, primarily based at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH with core hours from 0900 to 1500 EST daily.

Primary Duties

• Provide subject matter expertise in AI development methodologies, including iterative development approaches and agile practices to support AFRL digital transformation initiatives.
• Analyze adversarial considerations and implications for AI systems, communicating specific model selection considerations and operational impacts through sensitivity analysis.
• Support obtaining Authority to Operate (ATO) for AI systems in relevant DoD operating environments.
• Assist in the management and administration of network security and Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO) infrastructure to protect AI assets.
• Implement cybersecurity risk management practices for AI systems, addressing unique risks related to data, models, and deployment.
• Lead integration efforts combining AI components with existing systems to create interoperable Family of Systems and Systems of Systems architectures.
• Drive AI Development-Security-Operations (AI DEV-SEC-OPS) practices, implementing security activities throughout the entire AI development lifecycle.
• Apply security engineering principles to AI systems, focusing on design, implementation, and maintenance of complex data processing systems.
• Develop reusable, modular, testable, and scalable AI algorithms following software engineering best practices.
• Provide consulting services for AI systems maintenance and sustainment, including corrective, adaptive, perfective, and preventive maintenance.
• Integrate research and technology protection into the development of AI products and systems, applying system security engineering principles.
• Lead AI model development, governance, testing, deployment, integration, and sustainment activities, including evaluating mission problems, data evaluation, and method selection.
• Support testing of AI systems, preparing requirements, specifications, and evaluating results to assess progress of design and performance.
• Collaborate with AFRL cross-functional teams to solve pressing technical challenges in AI and develop practical, scalable, and assurable autonomy and AI systems.
• Provide technical expertise and consultation to AFRL project teams on an as-needed basis for specific sub-tasks as directed.

Necessary Skills and Knowledge

• Expert knowledge in AI and machine learning technologies:
  • Machine learning algorithms and frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn)
  • Deep learning architectures and applications
  • Natural language processing and computer vision techniques
  • Reinforcement learning and autonomous systems
  • AI model optimization and performance tuning
• Strong expertise in AI security and assurance:
  • Adversarial machine learning countermeasures
  • AI model robustness and integrity verification
  • Data poisoning detection and prevention
  • Explainability and transparency techniques
  • AI system vulnerability assessment
• Proficiency with AI development processes:
  • MLOps and AI pipeline automation
  • Model deployment and serving architectures
  • Experiment tracking and versioning
  • Feature engineering and data preprocessing
  • Model monitoring and drift detection
• Experience with DoD AI applications:
  • Command, control, and intelligence systems
  • Decision support and mission planning
  • Autonomous vehicle and system operations
  • Target recognition and identification
  • Predictive maintenance and logistics
• Knowledge of software development and security:
  • DevSecOps practices and implementation
  • Containerization and orchestration technologies
  • API development and security
  • Cloud and edge computing for AI workloads
  • Security compliance frameworks (NIST, DoD STIGs)

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or related technical field.
• Minimum of eight (8) to ten (10) years of experience in AI, machine learning, or related technical fields.
• At least five (5) years of experience in software development, system engineering, or cybersecurity.
• Demonstrated expertise in at least 10 (10) of the thirteen (13) technical areas identified in the PWS.
• Experience working with government research organizations or defense contractors.
• Strong understanding of DoD systems development and acquisition processes.
• Proficiency in at least one programming language commonly used in AI development (Python, R, Java).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate research concepts into practical solutions.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Air Force or AFRL experience, particularly with AI, machine learning, or autonomous systems programs.
• Military veteran status, especially former Air Force personnel with technical experience.
• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or related field.
• Experience with classified research programs and knowledge of security protocols.
• Publications or patents in AI, machine learning, or related fields.
• Experience with AI ethics, responsible AI development, and AI policy.
• Certifications in relevant technologies (AWS, Azure, GCP, security certifications).
• Experience with multi-domain operations and Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) initiatives.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies such as quantum computing, edge AI, and neuromorphic computing.

Clearance

• Active Top Secret (TS) security clearance required.
• Ability to obtain SCI access if needed.
• Compliance with all DoD security protocols and requirements.

Salary Range

• $150,000 - $175,000

Devis is an AA/EOE/M/F/Disabled/VET Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity without regard to an individual’s race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin or disability.