Freelance Developer Operations Engineer Jobs in Alabama

nou Systems, Inc. (nSI) solves diverse and challenging technical problems in an enjoyable, stimulating environment while providing unsurpassed value to our customers.

We are pleased to announce the opening for a DevOps Engineer who will join our Research and Development division, supporting teams working on advanced AI/ML applications in missile defense, battle management, and related domains. You will help deploy, scale, and standardize machine learning development workflows in support of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) projects.

You’ll work at the intersection of infrastructure, software engineering, and machine learning to enable high-performing research teams to deliver impactful, secure, and maintainable solutions.

Responsibilities:

As an DevOps Engineer, you will help architect, implement, and maintain modern ML development pipelines. You’ll collaborate across multiple research teams, supporting their ability to develop, test, and deploy machine learning capabilities quickly and securely.

You will:

• Build and maintain GPU-capable development environments and containerized workflows.
• Develop CI/CD pipelines (e.g., GitLab CI) with automated testing, linting, and deployment.
• Implement and enforce GitLab merge request policies and code quality standards.
• Create shell scripts and config files to streamline setup, reproducibility, and remote development (e.g., SSH-based HPC access).
• Define and document standardized ML development practices across teams.
• Collaborate with ML researchers, software engineers, and cybersecurity teams to transition prototypes into production-ready systems.
• Support secure deployment of ML solutions in DoD-restricted environments.
• Contribute to SBIR/STTR project execution and proposal development.

Basic Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related technical field.
• 4 years of experience in DevOps - including support for GPU-accelerated workloads.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.

Candidates must meet all basic qualifications to be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in Linux-based development, shell scripting (Bash), and remote development on GPU-accelerated hardware.
• Hands-on experience with containerization and reproducibility using Podman (or similar) and tools like Conda, Poetry, or Pixi, including setup behind proxies and secure artifact repositories (e.g., Artifactory).
• Proven ability to build and manage CI/CD pipelines in GitLab (or equivalent), including automated testing, MR enforcement, and runner configuration.
• Familiarity with Python-based machine learning frameworks and tooling (e.g., PyTorch Lightning, Optuna, MLflow, Ray-RLLib).
• Experience deploying ML solutions in secure, classified, or DoD-restricted environments.
• Knowledge of infrastructure-as-code tools (e.g., Terraform, Ansible) and DevSecOps best practices.
• Understanding of software supply chain security, including artifact validation and SBOMs.
• Strong communication skills with a track record of writing clear technical documentation and supporting onboarding across technical teams.

nou (pronounced ‘new’) Systems:

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. Benefits may vary based on status but the majority of our positions include the following:

• Competitive Wages*
• Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Medical plan with Health Savings Account eligibility
• Company-funded Life, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Personal Time Off, Vacation, and Paid Holidays
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Norton LifeLock
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Personal Development, Technical Learning Opportunities, & Lunch-n-Learns
• Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach

*Final compensation for this position is determined by a variety of factors, such as a candidate’s relevant work experience, skills, certifications, and geographic location.

nSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Employment opportunities at nSI are based upon a candidate’s qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job and are free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. For our complete EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit www.nou-systems.com/workingatnou. U.S. citizenship is required for most positions.

Annual Salary Range: $120,000 - $165,000