Innovation Engineer/DIRT Lab Manager (AI/ML Data Engineer)

Civil-Military Innovation Institute (CMI2) supports the DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory Catalyst Pathfinder program at Fort Huachuca, AZ as an onsite Innovation Engineer/DIRT Lab Manager role focused on rapid prototyping, applied AI/ML data engineering, and secure lab operations. You will help guide Soldiers and partner teams through experimentation while ensuring lab systems and environments meet Army cybersecurity standards.

This position offers a compensation range of $95,000 to $120,000 per year and a benefits package that includes 401(k), health, dental, vision, and life insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan.

What you will do

• Guide and coach Soldiers and partners through prototyping, design thinking, and innovation and research projects using makerspace equipment and technologies
• Oversee technical execution of prototypes using Army data platforms, AI/ML tools, and enterprise applications, including Vantage, Maven, and relevant DevSecOps and cloud environments
• Coach teams to strengthen workflows and improve outcomes within the tools provided
• Ensure correct configuration, security, and compliance for lab systems, networks, and development environments in accordance with Army cybersecurity standards
• Mentor and lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers, developers, researchers, and UX professionals to promote a culture of experimentation, rapid development, and innovation
• Prepare technical reports, demos, and briefings for senior Army and ARL personnel
• Manage lab resources, schedules, and coordination with the broader Pathfinder team, primarily with other DIRT Lab personnel
• Promote collaboration across Army innovation ecosystems, including PAEs, CPEs, labs, and operational units

Required qualifications

• Accredited degree in engineering, computer science, data science, or a related technical field
• 5+ years of experience in technical R&D, innovation labs, software development, or systems engineering
• Prior work in AI/ML development, data engineering, or advanced analytics
• Proficiency with Python, TypeScript, and React (or similar systems)
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary technical teams and manage multiple project lines
• Strong communication skills and effectiveness engaging military stakeholders and senior leaders
• Familiarity with Army cybersecurity requirements, STIGs, RMF, and secure development methodologies
• Entrepreneurial mindset including comfort with educated risks, piloting new ideas, and applying best practices with continuous improvement
• Passion and understanding for the Intelligence Community (IC) mission and vision
• Ability to operate effectively in a highly matrixed organization
• Active Top Secret (TS)/SCI security clearance, or eligibility to obtain and maintain one
• US Citizenship required

Preferred qualifications

• Hands-on experience with Army enterprise data and application ecosystems (e.g., Vantage, Maven, Army cloud environments, DevSecOps pipelines)
• Experience working within or alongside ARL, Program Executive Offices (PEOs), Cross-Functional Teams (CFTs), or operational units
• Experience deploying or integrating solutions in classified or hybrid-cloud environments
• Knowledge of agile development and rapid prototyping practices

Tools and technologies

Python, TypeScript, React, Vantage, Maven, DevSecOps, cloud environments, STIGs, RMF

Additional details

• Work location: In person
• Location: Fort Huachuca, AZ
• Travel: 15% (estimated)