Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Systems Engineer

Sonalysts, Inc. is seeking a highly skilled Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Systems Engineer with deep expertise in

Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), Generative AI, AI agents, and Model Context Protocol.

The ideal candidate should have experience in designing, developing, and optimizing AI-powered applications and workflows with a strong foundation in cybersecurity best practices.

Who are we?

Sonalysts, Inc. is a small, 100% employee-owned business (ESOP) that supports a very diverse set of customers. While the company was originally founded in 1973 with a focus on sonar analysis for the Navy (hence the name), Sonalysts has since expanded into a variety of other Defense and Commercial spaces. With current contracts supporting the Navy, Air Force, Army, and many other customers, Sonalysts leverages the skills and knowledge of its employee owners to help solve the Department of Defense’s most challenging problems while providing the best benefit to our customers. Sonalysts has a diverse and capable workforce comprised of former and retired service members from all branches of the military, and professionals with a wide range of commercial and technical backgrounds. From software development to operations analysis, doctrinal development, engineering, wargaming, targeted knowledge elicitation, or large group facilitation, Sonalysts can meet any challenge.

A small, central corporate structure coupled with a largely de-centralized approach to project management enables Sonalysts to compete with larger Defense Contractors in providing rapid, innovative solutions to meet customer needs while remaining agile and entrepreneurial at heart. Our employee-owners lead and support existing projects while also developing new business and winning new work.

If you are looking to use your technical knowledge to solve challenging problems for the military while benefiting from the flexibility and empowerment of being a contractor or potential future leader in a small business, then Sonalysts may be the place for you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and implement scalable LLM-based architectures for AI-powered applications.
• Develop and optimize Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) pipelines for improved model accuracy.
• Work with Generative AI models to enhance automated decision-making systems.
• Integrate and deploy AI models using AI Agents, Model Context Protocol, and retrieval strategies.
• Develop automation workflows using N8N, Pydantic, or other AI workflow tools.
• Optimize and fine-tune AI/ML models for performance and efficiency.
• Utilize GPU acceleration and frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch for large-scale AI workloads.
• Implement secure coding practices and cybersecurity protocols in all AI/ML development workflows.
• Ensure secure data handling, model access control, and compliance with data privacy regulations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate AI solutions into production environments.
• Research and implement state-of-the-art advancements in LLMs, multimodal AI, and generative systems.

Required Qualifications & Experience: 

• Must be a U.S. citizen, eligible for a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) SECRET security clearance* 
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, AI, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
• 3 or more years of professional experience that includes developing and integrating  LLMs, RAG, and Generative AI based solutions.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in fast-paced, AI-driven environments.

Desired Experience: 

• US Navy Combat Systems: Proven experience working with US Navy combat systems, specifically applying systems engineering and software development principles to mission-critical defense environments.
• Containerization & Orchestration: Deep technical proficiency in software containerization technologies, including Docker, Kubernetes, and OpenShift, for the deployment and scaling of complex software architectures.
• Experience with vector databases, knowledge retrieval strategies, and fine-tuning AI models.
• Knowledge of cloud-based AI deployment (AWS, GCP, Azure) with secure infrastructure practices.
• Familiarity with open-source AI tools and frameworks for custom AI solution development.
• Knowledge of compliance standards such as DoD Risk Management Framework (RMF), NIST, and ISO/IEC 27000 series.
• Contributions to AI research, publications, or open-source projects are a plus.
• Strong background in Python, AI frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch), and GPU architectures for model training/inference.
• Experience with AI Agent frameworks and Model Context Protocol for scalable AI solutions.
• Hands-on experience with N8N, Pydantic, or other AI workflow tools.
• Demonstrated experience implementing cybersecurity controls in AI environments (e.g., secure APIs, authentication/authorization, encryption).
• Familiarity with threat modeling, vulnerability assessment, and secure deployment of AI models.
• Deep understanding of retrieval systems, knowledge graphs, and multimodal AI applications.

What’s in it for you?

• Opportunity to provide important support to the DoD and to expand your work portfolio to support various projects across the company.
• Opportunity to grow your skillset and pursue project leadership.
• Salary ranges between $85,000-$130,000, dependent on experience, qualifications and other relevant business criteria.  
• Becoming an integral part of an innovative employee-owned company which includes:
• Flexible Time Program enabling an optimal work-life balance by permitting partners to arrange their work around personal appointments and vacations, parent-teacher conferences, children’s activities and the like, so long as the partner gets the job done on time.
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) Plan with company match
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Sales Bonus Program
• Special Performance and Retention Bonus Program
• Health and Preventive Dental Insurance
• Dependent Care Assistance Plan
• Health Care Reimbursement Plan
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Professional Development (e.g. Tuition Reimbursement Program, Online Training Program, and Targeted Skills Program)
• Relocation Assistance

*Obtaining a U.S. Government security clearance involves a comprehensive background check. Candidates are eligible for a clearance if they have demonstrated sound financial management (including good credit) over time, are free of criminal records, have limited foreign contacts or ties, and other factors indicative of a position of trust to protect information sensitive to the U.S. Government.

Sonalysts, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of, race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, disability, or other basis protected by law.

This job is not available to residents of New York City because of local law restrictions there.

Drug Testing Employer

www.sonalysts.com