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.
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.
