AI Engineer

Our team is developing Government Off-the-Shelf software that has an existing customer base, is currently in use in ongoing warfighting exercises, and has a years-long product roadmap. We're seeking an AI engineer who can help prototype new LLM-powered capabilities and integrate those capabilities into this software. You'll be an integral part of a multidisciplinary software team combining a web-based front end, large-data-management back end, and on-prem LLM-powered data exploration.

We're looking for an engineer who understands not only the under-the-hood details of LLMs but also how to use them in production code, and who strikes a balance between cutting-edge research and achievable, usable software at a fast tempo. We need people who enjoy working in tandem with other talented developers, architects, QA, and integration/DevOps, and who rise to the challenge of team communication and cohesion in an Agile/SAFe team. We want people who are passionate about the quality of software we deliver. You'll need to be comfortable with developing capabilities that are delivered to end users on a 10-week cadence, helping elicit end user needs rather than being handed a pile of DOORS-managed requirements, and scoping work even in the absence of perfect information.

• Bachelor's degree in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related technical field, with a Master's or higher preferred.

• 5+ years of professional experience in AI/ML engineering, with 2+ years focused on LLMs or similar generative models.

• Must possess or be able to obtain an active Secret Security Clearance.

• U.S. Citizen.

Technical Competencies - you must demonstrate expertise in:

• Proficiency in Python + PyTorch, generative AI frameworks (LangChain, LlamaIndex), and vector databases (ChromaDB).

• Software development as an individual contributor without agentic coding support.

• Production code: modular, unit tested, supports integration and end-to-end testing, maintained in source control (Git + GitLab).

• Scrum Agile software development, including being active in ceremonies (standup, sprint reviews, Product Increment planning).

• Team-focused development: ticket management, constructive peer reviews, backlog management.

Core Skills:

• Evaluate changing AI landscape: help us intelligently decide what new technologies and frameworks to incorporate through comprehensive analysis of alternatives.

• Mentor and lead technical contributors: be a force multiplier.

• Support software architecture development: contribute to our product's overall structure in support of our Chief Architect.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills: communicate your technical decisions, back them up with quantitative information, and flex with the needs of the wider team and project when necessary.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with newer approaches to using LLMs as a natural language interface to a data store (not just traditional RAG).

• Experience with developing MCP tooling for custom applications.

• Comfortable developing in a containerized (Docker) Linux-based (Ubuntu) environment.

• Experience developing for a Continuous Integration/Continuous Development (CI/CD) pipeline.

• Active Top Secret clearance.

Since its founding in 2012, nou Systems has built a reputation for excellence in innovative engineering, prototype development, and technical and professional services in multiple markets, including missile defense, cybersecurity, test range modernization, and space control. Our diverse and highly skilled team delivers state-of-the-art products from concepts and prototypes to fully developed and integrated solutions.

We offer significant advancement and personal career development opportunities within our dynamic high-tech company. Our culture is firmly established in treating our employees like family.

Benefits of working at nSI

nou Systems, Inc. offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and diverse benefits that reflect our company culture of service, excellence, and a supportive work environment.

Other specific benefits include:

• Competitive Wages*

• Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance

• Medical plan with Health Savings Account eligibility

• Generous company-funded Basic Life Insurance

• Company-funded Short-Term & Long-Term Disability

• Optional Accident and Critical Illness Insurance

• Personal Time Off, Annual Leave, and Paid Federal Holidays

• 401(k) Retirement Plan

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

• Tuition Reimbursement for ongoing training, continuing education, or advanced degree programs

• Personal Development, Learning Opportunities, & Lunch-n-Learns

• Opportunities for Advancement

Nou Systems, Inc. (Huntsville, AL) nou Systems, Inc. (nSI) is now officially a 100% ESOP company! We value teamwork and collaboration, and this transition allows us to take that commitment to a new level. nSI empowers our customers by supplying products, services, and expertise with powerful, data driven insights that transform defense systems and improve capabilities. nou Systems, Inc. (nSI) is building systems that solve our nation's most challenging defense problems in an enjoyable, stimulating environment. We're known for fielding revolutionary missile defense systems, pioneering step changes in RF seeker technology, introducing principled AI systems, and rapidly pioneering novel defense platforms, from space to the seabed. We're looking for talented builders with high levels of curiosity and extremely strong grounding in fundamentals and engineering first principles. If you're hungry for harder problems and want to build products that actually get into users' hands, we've got you covered.