AI / Machine Learning Engineer Mid-Level / Senior Level | $90,000 - $110,000 | Onsite | Top Secret Clearance Required | U.S. Citizenship Required Support the modernization of strategic defense mission systems by developing advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) capabilities for U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM). Join a multidisciplinary engineering team responsible for designing intelligent software solutions, developing machine learning models, and integrating AI-driven capabilities into mission planning and command and control (C2) systems. Youll also help advance AI adoption across the engineering lifecycle by enabling automation, improving developer productivity, and supporting next-generation software development practices. A Day in the Life - What youll do * Design, develop, and deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) solutions supporting strategic mission planning and command and control (C2) systems. * Develop machine learning models, predictive algorithms, and data analytics solutions that improve mission effectiveness and operational decision-making. * Analyze structured and unstructured data to identify trends, generate insights, and support data-driven engineering decisions. * Develop software applications and automation tools using Python and modern AI/ML frameworks. * Integrate AI and ML capabilities into existing operational mission systems while ensuring performance, security, and reliability requirements are met. * Collaborate closely with systems engineers, software developers, architects, product owners, Scrum Masters, and government stakeholders throughout the software development lifecycle. * Evaluate, test, validate, and optimize AI/ML models to improve model accuracy, scalability, and operational performance. * Support the implementation of MLOps practices for model deployment, versioning, monitoring, and lifecycle management. * Research emerging AI technologies, machine learning techniques, and generative AI capabilities to identify opportunities for mission modernization. * Serve as an AI/ML technical resource by identifying opportunities to automate engineering workflows, software development, testing, and documentation throughout the engineering lifecycle. * Develop technical documentation, model documentation, and engineering artifacts supporting AI/ML implementation and sustainment. * Present AI/ML concepts, technical findings, and implementation strategies to engineering teams, program leadership, and government customers. Required Qualifications * Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) discipline from an accredited university. * U.S. Citizenship required. * Active DoD Top Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance with required special access. * Demonstrated experience developing algorithms and solving complex analytical problems using Python. * Experience designing, developing, or integrating Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning solutions. * Familiarity integrating AI/ML capabilities into operational software or mission systems. * Strong understanding of machine learning concepts, data analytics, and statistical modeling techniques. * Strong analytical, problem-solving, and software development skills. * Ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams. * Strong written and verbal communication skills. Preferred Qualifications * Experience supporting U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) missions including Intelligence, Mission Planning, or Command & Control (C2). * Experience implementing MLOps pipelines and machine learning lifecycle management. * Experience applying AI and machine learning throughout the software or systems engineering lifecycle. * Experience using Generative AI tools to improve software development, engineering productivity, or code generation. * Experience evaluating, validating, and testing AI/ML models in operational environments. * Experience supporting Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC) systems including: * Strategic Mission Planning and Execution System (SMPES) * Mission Planning and Analysis System (MPAS) * Nuclear Planning and Execution System (NPES) * Experience developing AI-enabled automation for software engineering or DevSecOps workflows. * Experience working with modern AI/ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, or similar technologies. * Experience supporting classified Department of Defense software development programs. Who is Caribou Thunder? Caribou Thunder is a HUBZone-certified small business providing advanced technical and engineering services to the U.S. Department of Defense and its mission partners. 35+ states and 20+ countries. Weve delivered trusted solutions for over two decades-strengthening national readiness across missions on land, undersea, in the air, and throughout LEO, MEO, GEO, and deep space. Why Caribou Thunder? TEAM THUNDER - Mission Focused. Delivery Proven. Ready to Serve. * Employee Advocacy * Mission Proven * Global Reach * Skilled Teams * Modern Tools * Empowering Culture Our engineers and innovators ensure capability from sea floor to space frontier-delivering on time, maintaining compliance, and performing with precision in high-consequence environments. We specialize in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Software Development, DevSecOps, Cybersecurity, Digital Engineering, and Modeling & Simulation-disciplines powering the nations most complex technical missions. Employee Advocacy + Benefits Our people are the heart of Caribou Thunder. We invest in their growth, flexibility, and well-being-knowing their success drives ours. Benefits include: * Premium Health, Dental & Vision Insurance * 401(k) with 6% Company Match * Flexible PTO & Work Schedule * Education & Certification Reimbursement * Support for Military Leave * Work-Life Balance & Traditional Family Values Your future, your flexibility, your well-being-we invest in you. Apply and lets connect.