AI Solutions Engineer

Department: Engineering Employment Type: Full Time Location: San Diego, CA Compensation: $90,000 - $184,000 / year About The Role Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), a leading defense technology company, is seeking an AI Solutions Developer to be part of our Missile Defense team and based out of our Mount Laurel, NJ, Arlington, VA or San Diego, CA locations. Clearance & Location Requirements All applicants must be able to obtain/maintain an active Secret U.S. Security Clearance. This is an on-site position. Requiring at least 5 days in office, based out of our Arlington, VA, San Diego, CA or Mt. Laurel, NJ location. Key Responsibilities What You Will Do Apply AI technologies to improve productivity, decision-making, and automation across engineering and business functions Research, evaluate, and prototype AI tools, frameworks, and platforms to address internal operational challenges Implement practical AI-enabled solutions that integrate into existing workflows and systems Collaborate with internal stakeholders across engineering, security, program management, and business teams to understand problems and deliver impactful solutions Integrate AI capabilities into existing development and operational processes while ensuring usability, reliability, and maintainability Support internal adoption of AI technologies by providing guidance, demonstrations, and knowledge sharing Guide the organization on emerging AI trends, platforms, and best practices Work closely with security and compliance teams to ensure AI solutions meet relevant policies and regulations, particularly in sensitive and classified environments Continuously evaluate and refine AI adoption strategies to align with evolving business needs and technology landscapes Skills, Knowledge & Expertise (Who You Are — Required) 3+ years of professional software or technical experience Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience U.S. citizenship Ability to travel up to 10% as needed Strong understanding and experience in applying modern AI technologies—particularly large language models (LLMs), generative AI tools, and AI-assisted development workflows—and practical approaches for integrating them into real-world systems Experience designing and implementing technical solutions that leverage AI technologies to improve productivity, automation, or decision-making Ability to rapidly prototype and evaluate new technologies to determine their potential value to the organization Understanding of secure software development practices and AI-specific security considerations Familiarity working within environments that require strong security and compliance controls Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to independently define requirements, scope initiatives, and deliver practical solutions Strong communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences Demonstrated ability to collaborate across engineering, security, compliance, and business teams Comfortable balancing innovation with security, compliance, and operational constraints What Makes You Stand Out Knowledge of Naval tactical systems like Aegis, SSDS, SLQ-32, or other similar systems Familiarity with MLOps practices such as model lifecycle management, monitoring, and CI/CD integration Experience integrating AI capabilities into DevSecOps or CI/CD pipelines Hands-on experience deploying AI-enabled tools or applications into production environments Experience working with generative AI technologies, large language models, or natural language processing tools Knowledge of NIST 800-53, DISA STIGs and Risk Management Framework processes, or other compliance frameworks specifically on AI systems Experience working in defense, government, or other mission-critical domains Experience evaluating emerging technologies and guiding organizational adoption Understanding of change management strategies for introducing new technologies into established workflows Pay Range Payout info: $90,000 - $150,000 or $114,000 - $184,000 Pursuant to California Senate Bill 1162, IDT is required to disclose the “pay scale” or “pay range” associated with a job posting. Notably, however, this amount may not be reflective of actual compensation that may be earned as pay is dependent on a candidate’s experience, skills, and education. The posted range does not include bonuses, commissions, tips, or other benefits. IDT is often looking to place multiple candidates at various levels; more than one pay range has been included, commensurate with experience. Job Benefits IDT is a growing company with a vibrant, entrepreneurial culture. We are headquartered in Arlington, VA with additional offices in Fall River, MA; Mount Laurel, NJ; and San Diego, CA. We offer employees competitive pay and benefits including: Generous benefits package Competitive PTO Paid holidays 401(k) with immediate vesting and matching 9/80 optional schedule (2nd and 4th Friday off every month) Tuition Assistance Reimbursement Program Professional Development Resources Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits Organization-Wide Monthly Tech Connect Events Annual Employee Recognition Awards Regular Social Events and Catered Lunches EEO Statement IDT is an Equal Opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr