AI/ML Software Engineer

OverviewFTI Defense is seeking an AI/ML Software Engineer to design, build, and deploy secure, scalable software and data systems that support mission operations, analytics, and simulation environments. This role is for a hands-on engineer and someone who loves writing code, building systems end-to-end, and solving real-world technical challenges in secure, distributed environments.FTI Defense delivers mission-focused solutions to the Department of Defense (DoD/DoW) and Intelligence Community (IC) through advanced engineering, digital transformation, and program execution expertise. We help our customers solve complex challenges by integrating people, process, and technology.ResponsibilitiesSoftware Design & DevelopmentDesign and implement APIs, data pipelines, and simulation runtime logic that connect and enable mission applications.Develop software using modern programming languages such as Java, Python, C++, or TypeScript/Angular.Write clean, testable, and maintainable code following secure coding and software engineering best practices.Build and integrate modular microservices to improve scalability, maintainability, and interoperability.Cloud & Containerized EnvironmentsBuild and deploy containerized, cloud-native services using Docker, Kubernetes, and CI/CD pipelines (GitLab, Jenkins, or equivalent).Implement Infrastructure-as-Code and automation scripts to accelerate deployment and configuration management.Contribute to secure deployments across hybrid or disconnected environments (IL4–IL6, AWS GovCloud, or on-prem).Systems Integration & Distributed ComputingDevelop distributed systems and data integration frameworks using message buses such as Kafka or Redis.Engineer data flow between analytic, AI, and simulation components to support real-time mission use cases.Collaborate with system engineers and architects to ensure interoperability across software ecosystems.Data & Analytics IntegrationBuild and manage databases (PostgreSQL, MongoDB, graph DBs) and model complex data relationships.Develop data services that feed analytics pipelines or integrate AI/ML outputs into runtime systems.Work with serialization and exchange formats such as JSON, Protobuf, GeoJSON, or KML.Security, Testing & SustainmentWrite, test, and deploy software within secure or classified environments.Automate testing and monitoring to ensure performance, reliability, and repeatable deployments.Support the transition of prototypes to operational systems, focusing on maintainability and observability.Education/QualificationsMinimum Requirements:Must be a U.S. citizen and be willing to obtain and maintain a security clearance, as needed.6-10+ years of professional software engineering experience.3+ years of professional experience with DevSecOps, Zero-Trust, or ATO/RMF processes in Department of Defense (DoD/DoW) environments.Strong full-stack or systems engineering background.Proficiency in one or more of the following languages: Java, Python, C++, or TypeScript/Angular.Experience building containerized, cloud-native solutions using Docker, Kubernetes, and CI/CD pipelines.Complete understanding of distributed systems and message buses (Kafka, Redis, etc.).Experience developing or integrating analytics and AI models into production systems.Preferred Qualifications:Experience deploying code in IL4–IL6 or edge/disconnected environments.Familiarity with databases such as PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or graph databases.Knowledge of Infrastructure-as-Code (Terraform, CloudFormation, or CDK).Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field.Active Secret clearance preferred; ability to obtain one is required.For this role, the compensation range for candidates is $144k-$246k. *Note: Starting pay will be based on a number of factors and commensurate with qualifications & experience. FTI has a location-based compensation structure; there may be a different range for candidates in other locations.Originally posted on Himalayas