AI Systems Engineer

Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is seeking a skilled AI Systems Engineer to support, operate, and enhance the platforms that deliver AI capabilities across cloud and on prem environments. This role is focused on operational support, administration, and secure platform management—not AI research or model development.

The ideal AI Systems Engineer candidate will have experience managing M365 Copilot, Azure OpenAI, and on‑premise AI systems, with a strong understanding of how AI tools integrate with enterprise environments, how data flows through AI systems, and how to apply security and governance controls in a CMMC Level 2 setting. This role will also manage cost controls and model selection considerations to ensure efficient and predictable AI usage. The position offers opportunities to expand expertise across AI operations, hybrid cloud, Kubernetes, identity governance, and FinOps for AI while supporting mission‑critical programs.

Why Work with us? 

Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is respected as a world-class provider of technically integrated solutions as we deliver premier talent and technology across our focused markets for unparalleled, continuous mission support. Awarded a Best Places to Work nominee since 2020, ARS recognizes that without our career- driven, loyal professionals, we would not be able to deliver state-of-the-art results for our mission partners. We firmly believe that prioritizing our employees is of the upmost importance. We provide a culture where our employees are challenged to meet their career goals and aspirations, while still obtaining a work/life balance. ARS employees are motivated through our industry competitive benefits package, our awards and recognition program, and personalized attention from ARS Senior Managers.  

Responsibilities include:

• Administer and support AI platform workloads across M365 Copilot, Azure OpenAI, and on‑prem AI inference systems
• Operate AI‑related Azure services including identity (Entra ID), networking, private endpoints, resource policies, and secure service integrations
• Document, monitor, and secure end‑to‑end AI data flows, applying required controls to meet CMMC Level 2 compliance
• Assist with implementation of AI‑related security controls including identity governance, Conditional Access, RBAC, data classification, DLP, and auditing
• Implement usage monitoring, token tracking, quotas, and dashboards to control and optimize AI cost
• Provide operational support to developers using internal AI services, including templates, reference architectures, and troubleshooting
• Support hybrid cloud and on‑prem deployment of AI components, including containerized inference systems and Kubernetes workloads
• Maintain documentation, SOPs, diagrams, and compliance artifacts related to AI platform operations
• Continuously learn and adopt new AI platform tools, Azure features, and best practices related to secure and cost-efficient AI operations
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications/ Technical Experience Requirements:

• Must be a US citizen
• Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance (active clearance is beneficial but not required)
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical and related field.
• 5+ years of cloud, systems, platform, or operational engineering experience
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience with M365 administration, Azure services, or Azure OpenAI platforms
• Familiarity with container platforms and Kubernetes
• Understanding of AI data flows, how AI systems integrate with enterprise platforms, and how to apply security controls to those data flows
• Knowledge of CMMC Level 2 or NIST SP 800‑171 security practices
• Knowledge of AI cost optimization strategies including quotas, token usage monitoring, model selection, and workload control
• Current Azure Administrator Associate (AZ‑104), or ability to obtain within six months of hire
• Security+ or other DoD 8140 IAM Level II certification required
• Strong organizational, communication, and multitasking skills
• Ability to thrive as part of a small, fast‑moving operational team
• Strong critical thinking, troubleshooting, and innovation skills

 All positions at Applied Research Solutions are subject to background investigations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability, and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans, and requires affirmative action by covered contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans