Senior‑Level AI Engineer (Python)

Location: Annapolis Junction, MD, United States Job Title Senior‑Level AI Engineer (Python) Why IDS? IDS believes in resolving conflict, building innovative approaches to do so. Combining operational expertise with an intimate understanding of today’s greatest challenges, we bring our customers the solutions required for success in a complex and multidimensional world. IDS tailors' solutions for a diverse range of government, military, nonprofit, and public‑sector clients. Locations Annapolis Junction, MD Shifts Available Please note, candidates must be flexible. Shift times are general hours; some projects may require earlier or later reporting based on customer requirements. Job Description IDS is seeking a Senior‑Level AI Engineer to support the AI and Emerging Technologies mission. The engineer will work closely with mission stakeholders to capture requirements, support structured planning, improve certification processes using AI/ML tooling, and develop AI‑enabled capabilities including fine‑tuning Large Language Models to enhance vulnerability identification and mitigation. Key Duties • Collaborate with technical leadership to design, develop, and maintain LLM orchestration frameworks • Integrate static analyzers, retrieval‑augmented generation (RAG) systems, and automated testing pipelines • Clean, transform, and vectorize documentation, source code, and test artifacts for LLM consumption • Design and implement database solutions to support RAG architectures, artifact storage, and audit trails • Work with systems engineers to architect and deploy networked AI tools within secure enclaves • Perform performance profiling, optimization, and scalability analysis of mission systems • Support security assessments and Authority to Operate (ATO) processes Requirements • Bachelor’s degree with eight (8) years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree with six (6) years, or Doctoral degree with four (4) years • Associate’s degree with ten (10) years of clearly related experience may be considered • Degree in Computer Science or a related field with substantial coursework in algorithms, data structures, programming languages, computer architecture, logic, and advanced mathematics • Proficiency in Python and AI/ML integration • Experience with LLMs, static analyzers, RAG frameworks, and relational and vector databases • Familiarity with Agile methodologies and tools such as Git, Jira, and Confluence • Relevant experience across the software development lifecycle • Active TS/SCI with Polygraph Compensation • Salary range: $155,000 – $175,000 • Benefits