Senior AI/ML Engineer - Point Mugu, CA

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionJob SummaryF3EA is seeking a Senior AI/ML Engineer to support the Blue Water Instrumentation (BWI) RDT&E Tranche 1 Development and Knowledge Management team at the Point Mugu Sea Range. This role is responsible for designing, developing, and deploying AI/ML models, automated data pipelines, and intelligent process automation solutions within CMMC-compliant MS365 GCC High, Azure Government (AzureGov), and DoD enclave environments (NMCI/FlankSpeed).

The Senior AI/ML Engineer will architect and implement AI-Driven Instrumentation (AIDI) capabilities including automated data collection planning, processing, analysis, and decision-aid tools supporting RDT&E events. Beyond instrumentation, this role will develop AI-enabled solutions for business and staffing processes, including intelligent document processing, workforce analytics, predictive staffing models, and natural language interfaces leveraging Azure OpenAI Service, Copilot Studio, and Power Platform AI Builder within GCC High boundaries.

This position requires deep expertise in building production ML systems within FedRAMP High / IL4-IL6 environments, understanding the unique constraints of GCC High tenant boundaries, and ensuring all AI/ML workloads comply with DoD AI ethics principles and applicable cybersecurity requirements.

Roles and ResponsibilitiesDesign, develop, train, and deploy AI/ML models for AIDI capabilities including telemetry data analysis, automated collection planning, anomaly detection, predictive maintenance for prototype systems, and decision-aid tools supporting RDT&E eventsArchitect and implement end-to-end ML pipelines in Azure Government (AzureGov) using Azure Machine Learning, Azure Cognitive Services, and Azure OpenAI Service within IL4/IL5/IL6 boundaries as appropriateDevelop AI-enabled business process automation solutions within MS365 GCC High using Copilot Studio, Power Platform AI Builder, Power Automate, and SharePoint Premium (Syntex) for intelligent document processing, metadata extraction, and content classificationBuild and maintain data ingest/ETL pipelines supporting AIDI R&D objectives, including telemetry capture/replay tools, labeling workflows, data governance, and role-based access controls for experiment data (CDRL A013)Develop predictive workforce analytics, staffing optimization models, and intelligent scheduling tools to support program staffing and business processesImplement Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architectures and knowledge base solutions using Azure AI Search and Azure OpenAI within GCC High for program knowledge management and operational decision supportDesign and deliver dashboards, Common Operational Picture (COP) views, and data visualization artifacts as R&D deliverables for evaluation by Government stakeholdersEnsure all AI/ML workloads comply with DoD AI Ethics Principles (Responsible AI), NIST AI Risk Management Framework, and applicable cybersecurity controls for the R&D test environmentImplement model versioning, experiment tracking, and reproducibility infrastructure (MLflow, Azure ML Experiments) to support RDT&E repeatability and transition decision-makingCollaborate with cybersecurity personnel to ensure AI/ML infrastructure meets RMF, STIG, and continuous monitoring requirements scaled to developmental useSupport data and model traceability documentation sufficient for RDT&E repeatability, Government technical reviews, and transition decisionsAuthor and contribute to technical documentation including model cards, algorithm descriptions, data dictionaries, and performance characterizations (CDRL A006)Stay current on emerging AI/ML techniques, DoD AI initiatives (CDAO, Task Force Lima guidance), and GCC High service availability for AI workloads

Supervisory Responsibilities None. May provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior data engineers and analysts.

Required Qualifications and EducationBachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Machine Learning, Mathematics, or related field (Master’s preferred)8+ years of experience in AI/ML engineering, data science, or applied machine learning, with at least 3 years in DoD or Federal environmentsDemonstrated experience building and deploying ML models in Azure Government or equivalent FedRAMP High cloud environmentsProficiency in Python and ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit-learn, Hugging Face Transformers)Experience with Azure Machine Learning, Azure Cognitive Services, and/or Azure OpenAI ServiceHands-on experience with data pipeline engineering (Apache Spark, Azure Data Factory, Databricks, or equivalent)Working knowledge of MS365 GCC High capabilities and constraints, including Power Platform AI Builder, Copilot Studio, and SharePoint PremiumUnderstanding of DoD Cloud SRG impact levels (IL4/IL5/IL6) and their implications for AI/ML workloadsExperience with containerized model deployment (Docker, Kubernetes, Azure Container Instances)Familiarity with CMMC 2.0, NIST SP 800-53, and cybersecurity compliance requirements for development environmentsStrong understanding of data governance, PII/CUI handling, and role-based access control in classified or controlled environmentsExcellent analytical, problem-solving, and technical communication skillsU.S. citizenship requiredActive DoD Secret clearance required; TS/SCI eligibility preferred

Required Certifications: One or more of the following (or equivalent demonstrated expertise):Azure AI Engineer Associate (AI-102) or Azure Data Scientist Associate (DP-100)AWS Machine Learning Specialty or equivalent cloud ML certificationCompTIA Security+ CE (or higher, to satisfy DoD 8140 baseline if applicable)

Preferred Qualifications and EducationExperience with Azure OpenAI Service in GCC High / Government tenantsFamiliarity with CDAO (Chief Digital and AI Office) guidance, DoD AI Ethics Principles, and Responsible AI frameworksExperience with NIST AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF)Experience building RAG architectures with Azure AI Search in Government environmentsFamiliarity with IRIG-106 telemetry data formats and T&E range data standardsExperience with real-time or streaming ML inference for sensor/telemetry dataKnowledge of NMCI and FlankSpeed environments and their development constraintsExperience with MLOps practices: MLflow, model registries, automated retraining pipelinesFamiliarity with Power Platform governance and DLP policies in GCC HighExperience supporting FMS (Foreign Military Sales) program data handling requirementsAdditional certifications: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Databricks Certified, TensorFlow Developer Certificate

Physical Demands/Work EnvironmentCombination of office and laboratoryDirect, hands-on support to users and operational systemsMay require support during test events or extended operational hours

Affirmative Action/EEO statementF3EA, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. F3EA, Inc. makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

Other dutiesPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.