Generative AI Specialist / AI & ML Developer

Role Description Peraton is seeking an experienced Generative AI Specialist to support high-impact Internal Research and Development (IRAD) initiatives focused on AI/ML-driven platforms for Operations in the Information Environment (OIE). This role is central to delivering advanced generative AI capabilities supporting COCOM information operations across CENTCOM, NORTHCOM, INDOPACOM, AFRICOM, and EUCOM. You will drive innovation in LLMs, agentic AI workflows, and generative AI application development—directly influencing Peraton’s competitive position in the defense AI landscape. Design and optimize generative AI solutions using GPT 4, Claude, Gemini, and Azure OpenAI, including prompt engineering, fine-tuning, and retrieval augmented generation (RAG). Implement agentic LLM architectures with structured output (JSON/GeoJSON), chain-of-thought/chain-of-debate methods, and multi-agent orchestration. Build and maintain prompt libraries, evaluation frameworks, and QA pipelines for defense-grade AI content. Integrate generative AI into existing platforms via well-documented APIs, ensuring interoperability with DoD systems including Maven, C2IE, and IRIS. Research emerging generative AI techniques including multimodal models, synthetic data generation, and AI-assisted analysis for information operations. Translate COCOM operational requirements into deployable AI solutions; support TTX events and platform demonstrations. Implement responsible AI practices including bias detection, validation, hallucination mitigation, and HITL workflows. Support MVP-aligned milestone delivery, contributing to TRL progression and ROI measurement. Document novel prompting techniques, model configurations, and workflows that may constitute IP or trade secrets. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a related technical field + 5 years relevant experience. An additional 4 years will be considered in lieu of the bachelor's degree requirement. 3+ years in software development or data science, including 2+ years focused on generative AI, LLMs, or NLP. Hands-on experience with foundation models (GPT 4, Claude, Gemini, Llama, Mistral) including prompt engineering, few-shot learning, fine-tuning, and API integration. Strong Python skills; experience with LangChain, LlamaIndex, Hugging Face, OpenAI/Anthropic APIs. Experience building RAG systems using vector databases (Pinecone, Weaviate, ChromaDB, pgvector). Cloud experience (AWS, Azure) and deploying AI/ML models in production environments. Understanding of AI safety, hallucination mitigation, bias reduction, and prompt-injection protection. Experience with Git, CI/CD, and DevSecOps practices. U.S. citizenship required. Ability to obtain Secret and final TS/SCI security clearances. Current, valid U.S. passport for potential OCONUS travel. Requirements Master’s degree. Experience with agentic AI architectures, multi-agent workflows, and LLM tool-use. Hands-on experience with fine-tuning, RLHF, DPO, LoRA/QLoRA. Familiarity with multimodal models and defense/intelligence applications. Experience with IRIS, OMEGA, or similar operational platforms. Background supporting IO, PSYOP, influence analysis, or COCOM operations. Knowledge of MLOps, A/B testing, and LLM evaluation frameworks (RAGAS, DeepEval). Experience with synthetic data generation, simulation, or Monte Carlo methods. Understanding of geospatial data formats (GeoJSON, KML) and visualization tools (Plotly, D3.js). Strong communication skills for technical-to-nontechnical translation and customer demos. Relevant cloud/AI certifications (AWS, Azure, Google, DeepLearning.AI). Benefits Target Salary Range: $135,000 - $216,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual’s experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Company Description Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world’s leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can’t be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers.