AI/ML Engineer

About CFD Research: Since its inception in 1987, CFD Research has delivered innovative technology solutions within the Aerospace & Defense, Biomedical & Life Sciences, Intelligence & Sensing, and Energy & Materials industries. CFD Research has earned multiple national awards for successful application and commercialization of innovative component/system technology prototypes, multi-physics simulation software, multi-disciplinary analyses, and expert support services. Based in Huntsville, Alabama where laboratory facilities and headquarters are located, CFD Research also has office and laboratory facilities in Dayton, Ohio, prototyping test and evaluation facilities in Hollywood, Alabama, and office facilities in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. CFD Research is an ISO9001:AS9100D registered company and is appraised at CMMI Level II for Services. CFD Research is a 100% ESOP (employee-owned company) recognized in Inc. Magazine's Inc5000 as a top growing company for four of the last five years. Learn more at www.cfd-research.comCFD Research is seeking an AI/ML Engineer to build and deploy advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions that modernize mission systems and accelerate decision-making across the national security ecosystem. The candidate will contribute end-to-end—spanning data processing, model development, MLOps, and integration of scalable AI capabilities into operational environments.The work will leverage experience with ML-based NLP, LLMs and generative AI, computer vision, and modern software engineering practices. We value first-principles reasoning and physically interpretable models, so an interest in or experience developing hybrid systems is highly desirable. Candidates should be motivated by building systems that are scientifically explainable, empirically validated, and capable of operating robustly across sensing environments. You will partner with cross-functional engineering, mission SMEs, and product teams to deliver production-grade systems.Develop and implement AI/ML models—including NLP, LLM-based pipelines, deep learning architectures, and computer vision models—aligned to mission requirements.Build and maintain scalable data pipelines to support training, evaluation, and continuous improvement of models.Develop components of end-to-end production systems including microservices, APIs, automation frameworks, and cloud-native AI services.Integrate AI/ML capabilities into operational environments with attention to security, reliability, observability, and performance.Conduct model optimization, tuning, versioning, and A/B testing to ensure robust mission impact.Apply modern software engineering patterns (Python, Java, Scala, Rust; microservices; distributed systems).Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to identify mission needs and translate requirements into technical solutions.Prepare technical documentation, contribute to design reviews, and support accreditation processes in classified environments.Basic Qualifications2–6 years of experience developing machine learning models (such as: NLP/LLM, CV, deep learning, generative AI, or related).2–6 years of experience developing AI/ML capabilities to operate in a microservice stack.Candidate must possess an ACTIVE TS/SCI security clearance to be considered. Experience working with APIs, microservices, or distributed systems.Experience with data processing frameworks and scientific computing libraries (such as: NumPy, Pandas, PyTorch, TensorFlow, or scikit-learn).Experience configuring or deploying software systems in operational environments.Experience with CI/CD tooling, source control (such as GitLab), and containerization technologies (such as: Docker or Kubernetes).TS/SCI clearance, and willingness to take a polygraph.Bachelor's degree in a related STEM field.U.S. Citizenship is REQUIRED. Desired QualificationsExposure to GPU programming (CUDA or RAPIDs) or AWS containerization.Understanding of LLM orchestration, RAG pipelines, or hallucination mitigation workflows.Familiarity with MLOps platforms or hybrid cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP).Familiarity with automated testing tools and model evaluation frameworks.Master’s degree in Computer Science, AI/ML Engineering, Data Science, or related STEM field.

Location: This role is based in the Dayton, OH area, and is 100% onsite.

Benefits

CFD Research offers competitive salaries and excellent employee benefits, including an employer matching 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). CFD Research offers our Full-Time, permanent employee-owners a highly competitive insurance package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance. Additionally, we offer company paid leave, compensation time, parental leave, long-term and short-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, and life insurance. Part-Time and Temporary employee-owners may receive partial or reduced benefits and leave time based on their employment status level. Performance appraisals occur twice a year and annual pay increases are based upon corporate goals, personal development, performance, and outstanding achievements. In addition, group and individual bonuses are awarded for exceptional performance.CFD Research is an EO employer - Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories