Lead Software & AI Engineer (Navy/DoD)

Job Description

Job Description

THOR Solutions is actively seeking a highly motivated Lead Software & AI Engineer to support an upcoming contract at the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific (NIWC PAC) in San Diego, CA . The position will design, develop, and integrate cutting-edge Machine Learning (ML), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Large Language Model (LLM) capabilities into Navy C2 decision support systems. This role is central to advancing automated decision aids that enhance warfighter situational awareness and accelerate the kill chain.

An ideal candidate will have significant hands-on development experience using microservices, containers, and Kubernetes, as well as experience developing/integrating ML, AI, and LLM into operational systems.

This contract is expected to begin in or around December 2026.

Typical Responsibilities:

• Develop ML/AI/Operations Research (OR) methods to interpret Common Operational Picture (COP) displays and generate alerts based on CCIRs and predictive Enemy Courses of Action (ECOAs)
• Design and implement dynamic/probabilistic decision automation tools using ML/AI, Generative AI (GENAI), and LLMs
• Develop Natural Language Processing (NLP) methods for parsing and interpreting Navy-wide and CSG OPTASKS and Pre-Planned Responses (PPRs)
• Build, test, and refine Large Language Models tailored to operational Navy requirements
• Integrate GENAI capabilities into existing C2 software architectures
• Develop software products utilizing microservices, containers, service mesh, and Kubernetes
• Apply cybersecurity best practices throughout the software development lifecycle

Location: Full time onsite, split between the NIWC PAC facility and THOR’s local offices in San Diego, CA.

California Alternative Work Week Schedule: This position may utilize the California Alternative Work Week schedule: 9-hours each day Monday – Thursday. Fridays will alternate as either 8-hour days or non-working days. In a two-week period, this totals 80 working hours.

Anticipated Travel: Up to 10% travel is anticipated to primarily CONUS locations.

Typical Physical Activity: Desk/computer work in an office environment. May involve: repetitive motion.

Typical Pay Range:  The anticipated pay for this position in the identified location(s) is $158,000/year. Actual compensation offered will be based upon individual factors including education, qualifications, and experience.

Existing TOP SECRET/SCI Security Clearance Required: This position requires a TOP SECRET/SCI security clearance. Candidates must either already possess an active or interim TS/SCI clearance OR be TS/SCI Eligible with a completed Tier 5 investigation. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance; therefore, only current U.S. citizens will be considered for this position.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• At least five (5) years hands-on software development using microservices, containers, and Kubernetes.
• Experience developing/integrating Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence (ML/AI) or Large Language Models (LLM) into operational systems.
• Possess one or more of the following active certifications, to meet DoD 8140/8570 IAT Level II and/or intermediate proficiency level baseline for CSWF approval:
  • CompTIA Security+ (Sec+)
  • Cisco Certified Network Associate-Security (CCNA-Security)
  • CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
  • EC-Council Certified Network Defender (CND)
  • CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)
  • Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
  • ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
  • ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Associate

• Proficient with common productivity software.
• Excellent communication skills.

Additional Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience with Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar ML frameworks.
• Familiarity with Navy C2 systems, particularly MTC2 or C2X.
• Experience developing software for DoD DevSecOps pipelines (e.g., Overmatch Software Armory).
• Knowledge of Operations Research techniques and optimization algorithms.

Benefit Offerings: Along with competitive pay, THOR offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Paid Time Off (accrued)
• Paid Holidays
• 401(k) with employer match and traditional/Roth options
• Medical Insurance (3 plan options) + TRICARE Supplemental Coverage
• Dental Insurance (2 plan options)
• Vision Insurance Plan
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Commuter/Transit Benefits
• Basic Life/AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Pet Benefits
• Legal Resources
• ID Theft Benefits
• Employee Assistant Plan and Work-Life Program
• Voluntary Leave Transfer Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Referral Program

Please be aware that many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens.

Founded in 2009, THOR Solutions, LLC (THOR) is a rapidly growing Center for Veteran’s Excellence (CVE) verified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) providing mission critical support across the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, federal civilian agencies and commercial maritime industry, worldwide. THOR provides innovative and tailored expertise in multidisciplinary engineering, project and program management, business and financial management, technical support, integrated logistics support, training support, fleet support, corporate operations support, assessments and studies. THOR is privileged to deliver service solutions to the nation’s most complex military, public sector and industry challenges.

THOR is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities . THOR considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part the employment selection process, please contact us at View email address on ziprecruiter.com or View phone number on ziprecruiter.com.

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