SMX

AI Engineer

SMX$140K — $173K *
Aiea, HI 96701In-Person
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, AI, Data Science, Engineering, or related field.
  • 5-8 years of relevant technical experience; additional experience may substitute for degree.
  • Military operational experience is strongly preferred.
  • Experience developing AI-enabled systems and data integrations.
  • Strong understanding of cloud environments, AI tools, and system integration.
  • Experience with LLMs, AI agents, embeddings, and prompt engineering.
  • Must meet applicable DoD 8140 / DCWF requirements.

Responsibilities

  • Build AI-enabled technical capabilities that transform client processes.
  • Design, build, and support AI-integrated systems to improve workflows.
  • Transform operational processes into tools for AI environments.
  • Support Maven Smart System as the primary integration platform.
  • Develop AI-enabled workflows connecting knowledge and decision processes.
  • Support in-house LLM development tuned on organizational data.
  • Design prompt templates, prompt chains, and reusable AI patterns.

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Paid leave
  • Retirement
  • Competitive mix of compensation and learning opportunities.
Full Job Description
SMX is seeking an AI Engineer to support government client at Camp Smith. The AI Engineer designs, develops, tests, and improves AI-enabled systems that support client operations, business processes, and organizational Knowledge Management. This role transforms business and operational processes into tools that can be integrated into AI harnesses, workflows, and agentic systems.
The ideal candidate has a balanced technical background and military operational experience. This combination allows the AI Engineer to understand real operational processes and convert them into practical AI-integrated systems. The AI Engineer should be able to work with Maven Smart System as the primary platform while also understanding cloud environments, AI tools, data systems, and modern AI development patterns.
This role supports the creation of AI capabilities that may include AI-integrated tools, retrieval workflows, organizational data models, internal LLM development, prompt systems, AI agents, and systems that use organizational data to improve decision support.

This position requires a current DoD Top Secret SCI security clearance which requires US citizenship for work on DoD contracts.

This position is full-time onsite in Aiea, Hawaii.

Application Deadline: July 20, 2026

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • The AI Engineer builds the AI-enabled technical capability that transforms client processes into integrated tools, workflows, and AI systems.
  • Design, build, and support AI-integrated systems that improve client workflows and decision-making.
  • Transform operational and business processes into tools that can be integrated into AI-enabled environments.
  • Support Maven Smart System as the primary AI and operational integration platform.
  • Develop AI-enabled workflows that connect organizational knowledge, data, tools, and decision processes.
  • Support the design and development of in-house LLM capabilities trained or tuned on approved organizational data, where authorized.
  • Develop retrieval-augmented generation workflows using trusted organizational data sources.
  • Support AI agent workflows that retrieve information, summarize content, call tools, generate draft products, and support human decision-making.
  • Design prompt templates, prompt chains, structured outputs, and reusable AI patterns.
  • Integrate AI systems with cloud environments, APIs, databases, knowledge repositories, dashboards, and workflow tools.
  • Support embedding models, vector search, knowledge retrieval, data ingestion, and AI search capabilities.
  • Develop methods to test and evaluate AI system performance, accuracy, relevance, and usefulness.
  • Work with the AI Integrator and Knowledge Systems Integrator to ensure AI tools are operationally useful, adopted by users, and connected to real client workflows.
  • Support AI governance, human-in-the-loop review, data protection, and auditability.

Required Skills & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, AI, Data Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Engineering, or related field.
  • 5-8 years of relevant technical experience; additional experience may substitute for degree.
  • Military operational experience is strongly preferred.
  • Experience developing AI-enabled systems, tools, workflows, automation, or data integrations.
  • Experience with Maven Smart System as the primary AI/operational platform preferred.
  • Strong understanding of cloud environments, AI tools, APIs, databases, and system integration.
  • Experience with RAG, LLMs, AI agents, embeddings, vector search, prompt engineering, and AI evaluation.
  • Ability to transform business and operational processes into AI-integrated tools.
  • Experience supporting in-house LLMs or domain-adapted AI systems using organizational data preferred.
  • Must meet applicable DoD 8140 / DCWF requirements.
  • IAT Level II or IAM Level I equivalent certification preferred; IAT Level III, IAM Level II, or IASAE-equivalent preferred for elevated technical roles.
  • Ability to test and evaluate AI outputs.
  • Understanding of human-in-the-loop review and responsible AI use.
  • Military operational experience or strong understanding of military workflows.

Desired Skills & Experience
  • Experience with Palantir or Maven Smart System.
  • Experience developing AI tools in cloud environments.
  • Experience supporting operational, intelligence, or defense organizations.
  • Experience with Python, APIs, data pipelines, or AI development frameworks.
  • Experience creating RAG systems, AI agents, or prompt libraries.
  • Experience with internal LLM development, fine-tuning, or domain adaptation.
  • Experience building AI systems around organizational data.

#LI-AP1 #CJPOST

The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.

The proposed salary for this position is:

$140,000-$173,000 USD

About SMX

SMX is a company that concentrates on C5ISR, advanced engineering, and computing and also provides services, including cyber security and data analytics. Their previous search terms included Trident Technologies, Smartronix, Datastrong, and C2S Consulting Company, and their tradition of offering new technological solutions.

SMX Careers

Joining SMX presents a prime opportunity to be part of a diverse team of professionals, dedicated to pioneering innovations in the industry. SMX, a leader in technology and consulting, offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to ambitious individuals looking to make a significant impact in their professional journey.

Explore Career Opportunities

SMX is actively hiring and offers a range of positions that suit different skills and career aspirations. From entry-level roles to leadership positions, SMX is committed to fostering growth and excellence in every team member.

Internship Programs

SMX's internship programs provide invaluable industry experience, mentoring, and the opportunity to develop professional skills in a real-world setting. Internships are a stepping stone to full-time employment at SMX, offering a robust foundation in technology and business practices.

Professional Growth and Development

SMX is dedicated to the professional growth of its employees. With comprehensive training programs, including leadership development and diversity training, SMX ensures that every team member has the resources to thrive. Employees are encouraged to pursue continuous learning opportunities and gain certifications that enhance their career prospects.

Benefits and Culture

SMX is known for its inclusive culture and competitive benefits package designed to support the well-being and financial security of every employee. Benefits include health care, retirement plans, and paid time off, among others. The company culture at SMX promotes innovation, teamwork, and leadership, making it an ideal environment for professional development and personal growth.

Networking and Professional Development

Employees at SMX enjoy access to a vast network of industry professionals and thought leaders. Regular networking events, seminars, and workshops are integral to the company's commitment to employee development. These opportunities facilitate career advancement and innovation within the team.

Applying for a Position

To apply for a position at SMX, candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter through the SMX Careers portal. The hiring process at SMX is thorough, ensuring that both the company and its potential employees are well-matched. Candidates can expect a detailed interview process where they can showcase their skills and learn more about the job opportunities and culture at SMX.

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Join SMX

Explore the exciting and rewarding career opportunities at SMX. With a commitment to diversity, innovation, and leadership, SMX is looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Search open positions that match your skills and interests on the SMX Jobs portal today.

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