Senior Applied AI Engineer III – Data Science & Analytics with Security Clearance

About the role

Job Description SALARY RANGE $209,000 - $266,000/year. DUTIES As a successful candidate for the Senior Applied AI Engineer III role, you will join a fast-moving AI team delivering mission-critical capabilities that enable analysts and operators to make rapid, data-driven decisions. In this position, you will combine data science, machine learning, and software engineering to design AI-enabled analytical applications, construct LLM and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) workflows, and transform complex datasets into actionable mission insights. Working directly with mission customers, you will evaluate operational challenges, rapidly prototype AI/ML solutions, integrate large-scale data platforms, mentor junior engineers, and shape the team's technical direction. Required Skills SKILLS * Design and develop AI-enabled analytics applications using Python and modern software engineering practices

Perform exploratory data analysis, feature engineering, statistical analysis, and machine learning on complex mission datasets

Develop pattern-of-life, anomaly detection, clustering, and predictive analytics capabilities

Build Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and LLM-powered workflows to enhance analytical processes

Collaborate directly with mission customers to understand datasets and develop tailored, AI-driven analytical solutions

Integrate structured and unstructured data sources into scalable AI applications

Evaluate emerging AI and machine learning techniques for mission applicability

Mentor junior engineers and contribute to overall technical direction across the team QUALIFICATIONS Twelve (12) years' experience as an SWE in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity is required. A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related discipline from an accredited college or university is required. Four (4) years of additional SWE experience on projects with similar software processes may be substituted for a bachelor's degree. Additional requirements: * Proven experience developing production-grade software using Python

Demonstrated background in data science, machine learning, or statistical analysis

Proficiency with core data science libraries such as Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, or similar tools

Hands-on experience building functional AI or machine learning applications

Strong analytical reasoning and technical problem-solving skills

Experience working with SQL, Elasticsearch, or other large-scale data platforms

Strong communication skills with the ability to convey technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Track record of collaborating directly with customers to solve analytical challenges Desired Skills NICE-TO-HAVES * Experience with LLMs, prompt engineering, or Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architectures

Experience with geospatial analysis, pattern-of-life analytics, or time-series analysis

Experience with data visualization tools and interactive dashboard development

Experience deploying machine learning models into production environments

Experience supporting classified mission environments