AI Engineer

The role will support Nou Systems Inc in Huntsville, Alabama within the Technical Solutions Division and JSTC2 Team. The AI Engineer will prototype generative-AI-powered capabilities and integrate LLM-based functions into Government Off-the-Shelf software used for warfighting training exercise participants.

Onsite Location and Team

Location: Huntsville, AL (onsite). You will work as part of a multidisciplinary software team spanning a web-based front end, a large-data-management back end, and on-prem LLM-powered data exploration.

Key Responsibilities

• Prototype new LLM-powered capabilities and integrate them into the existing software.
• Contribute to user-facing capabilities delivered on a 10-week cadence.
• Help elicit end user needs rather than working solely from pre-defined requirements managed externally.
• Scope work even when information is not complete.
• Evaluate the changing AI landscape and support informed decisions about new technologies and frameworks through analysis of alternatives.
• Mentor and lead technical contributors to act as a force multiplier for the team.
• Support software architecture development in coordination with the Chief Architect.
• Communicate technical decisions and support them with quantitative information.
• Collaborate with the wider team to adapt to project needs when necessary.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related technical field (Master’s or higher preferred).
• Experience: 5+ years of professional experience in AI/ML engineering, including 2+ years focused on LLMs or similar generative models.
• Security clearance: Must possess or be able to obtain an active Secret Security Clearance.
• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen.
• Proficiency in Python + PyTorch, generative AI frameworks (LangChain, LlamaIndex), and vector databases (ChromaDB).
• Ability to develop software as an individual contributor without agentic coding support.
• Experience producing production code that is modular, unit tested, supports integration and end-to-end testing, and is maintained in source control (Git + GitLab).
• Experience with Scrum Agile, including participation in ceremonies such as standup, sprint reviews, and Product Increment planning.
• Team-focused execution including ticket management, constructive peer reviews, and backlog management.

Technologies

• Python, PyTorch
• LangChain, LlamaIndex
• ChromaDB
• Git, GitLab
• Docker
• Ubuntu

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using LLMs as a natural language interface to a data store, beyond traditional RAG.
• Experience developing MCP tooling for custom applications.
• Comfort developing in a containerized (Docker) Linux-based (Ubuntu) environment.
• Experience developing for a CI/CD pipeline.
• Active Top Secret clearance.

Benefits

• Competitive Wages*
• Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Medical plan with Health Savings Account eligibility
• Generous company-funded Basic Life Insurance
• Company-funded Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Optional Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
• Personal Time Off, Annual Leave, and Paid Federal Holidays
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Tuition Reimbursement for ongoing training, continuing education, or advanced degree programs
• Personal Development, Learning Opportunities, & Lunch-n-Learns
• Opportunities for Advancement
• Skills Development & Certifications
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach