Senior‑Level AI Engineer (Python)
Why IDS?IDS believes in resolving conflict, building innovative approaches to do so. Combining operational expertise with an intimate understanding of today’s greatest challenges, we bring our customers the solutions required for success in a complex and multidimensional world. IDS tailors' solutions for a diverse range of government, military, nonprofit, and public‑sector clients.
LocationsAnnapolis Junction, MD
Shifts AvailablePlease note, candidates must be flexible. Shift times are general hours; some projects may require earlier or later reporting based on customer requirements.
Job DescriptionIDS is seeking a Senior‑Level AI Engineer to support the AI and Emerging Technologies mission. The engineer will work closely with mission stakeholders to capture requirements, support structured planning, improve certification processes using AI/ML tooling, and develop AI‑enabled capabilities including fine‑tuning Large Language Models to enhance vulnerability identification and mitigation.
Key Duties• Collaborate with technical leadership to design, develop, and maintain LLM orchestration frameworks
• Integrate static analyzers, retrieval‑augmented generation (RAG) systems, and automated testing pipelines
• Clean, transform, and vectorize documentation, source code, and test artifacts for LLM consumption
• Design and implement database solutions to support RAG architectures, artifact storage, and audit trails
• Work with systems engineers to architect and deploy networked AI tools within secure enclaves
• Perform performance profiling, optimization, and scalability analysis of mission systems
• Support security assessments and Authority to Operate (ATO) processes
• Bachelor’s degree with eight (8) years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree with six (6) years, or Doctoral degree with four (4) years
• Associate’s degree with ten (10) years of clearly related experience may be considered
• Degree in Computer Science or a related field with substantial coursework in algorithms, data structures, programming languages, computer architecture, logic, and advanced mathematics
• Proficiency in Python and AI/ML integration
• Experience with LLMs, static analyzers, RAG frameworks, and relational and vector databases
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies and tools such as Git, Jira, and Confluence
• Relevant experience across the software development lifecycle
• Active TS/SCI with Polygraph
• Salary range: $155,000 – $175,000
• Benefits
Top Skills
What We Do
Hybrid conflict. Non-state actors. Digital hacktivists. Tribal politics. Advanced technology. Ancient beliefs. Rapid adaptation. Strategic uncertainty. Declining resources. Rising extremism. Today’s national security challenges are complex and multidimensional, requiring adaptive, interagency responses. For more than a decade, IDS International has delivered innovative training, research and operational civil-military services to help address these 21st century challenges. We are seasoned soldiers, aid workers, diplomats, intelligence professionals, cyber warriors, technical experts, political advisors, and more with a common understanding of how to train for and operate in conflict zones and transitional areas. Our team of interagency experts and field practitioners operate and train together daily, building on our global multidisciplinary understanding of challenges, best practices and new approaches. This wide range of perspectives permits us to serve as a liaison between civil society, military, government and technology to enhance coordination and effectively solve complex security and political problems.
