Principal AI Engineer

i3 is seeking a Principal AI Engineer to lead the design, development, and deployment of AI-driven security and data solutions for defense and intelligence community customers. This role combines hands-on technical expertise with strategic leadership to advance i3's AI capabilities across cybersecurity threat detection, supply chain risk management, and mission-critical analytics platforms. This is a full-time position based in Huntsville, AL (with potential for hybrid flexibility).

AI Security & Threat Detection

• Design and optimize scalable data pipelines for security monitoring and threat detection systems supporting DoD AI workloads.
• Develop automated threat generation and simulation modules to identify security control gaps.
• Implement advanced detection logic to combat evolving attack vectors targeting AI systems and cloud infrastructure.
• Conduct threat modeling using frameworks such as OWASP Top 10 and MITRE ATT&CK.

AI/ML Solutions Engineering

• Build and maintain scalable data pipelines for ingesting, cleansing, and transforming defense/intelligence datasets.
• Apply AI/ML methods for predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and risk identification within supply chain and operational workflows.
• Integrate AI-driven analytics into customer platforms through APIs, data services, and system interfaces.
• Develop dashboards and reporting solutions enabling data-driven decisions by senior government stakeholders.

Technical Leadership

• Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers and data scientists.
• Lead architecture discussions and drive technical decisions for AI/ML initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including program managers, software engineers, and customer stakeholders.
• Support proposal development and technical presentations to customers.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, AI/ML, or related technical field (Master's preferred).
• At least 12+ years of experience in AI/ML development, data engineering, or cloud security.
• Strong programming skills in Python, Java, and/or Go.
• Proficiency with SQL, database design, and query optimization.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and data services (Snowflake, Redshift).
• Experience designing and operating large-scale distributed systems and real-time data processing pipelines.
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles, threat detection, and security monitoring.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Security Clearance, but interim secret required to start.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science or related field.
• Experience with ML/AI security and adversarial AI techniques.
• Familiarity with GCP security tools and cloud-native security architectures.
• Experience in DoD/IC environments and government contracting.
• Knowledge of supply chain risk management (SCRM) and compliance frameworks.
• Background in leading technical teams or projects.

Knowledge/Skills

• Strong preference for candidates with prior experience supporting the MDA or missile test data environments, including familiarity with data flow, system integration, or analysis processes unique to test missions.
• Strong understanding of data management principles, including ingestion, parsing, cataloging, and metadata validation.
• Proficiency in SQL and experience with scripting languages such as Python or R for data preparation and analysis.
• Working knowledge of metadata standards, data dictionaries, and validation procedures.
• Experience developing dashboards and visual reports in Power BI or Tableau.
• Ability to analyze data quality and performance metrics to identify process bottlenecks or anomalies.
• Strong communication skills; capable of translating technical data findings for non-technical audiences and leadership.
• Understanding of data governance policies, retention schedules, and secure handling of classified information.
• Collaborative and analytical mindset with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and adept at managing multiple priorities in a mission-driven environment.

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Regular i3 hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, however, additional hours may be required on occasion. Regular and punctual attendance is required.

i3 is a technically diverse, 100% team member owned business, headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama specializing in missile and aviation systems engineering and logistic services, electronic warfare and electromagnetic effects analysis, UAS system integration and flight operations, full lifecycle C5ISR engineering services, cybersecurity and IT/IA innovative solutions and virtual training, simulation & serious game development and implementation. We have established a broad offering of products and capabilities collectively providing decades of experience supporting the full complement of DoD military services, Missile Defense Agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and a variety of other Government organizations and private industry customers.

Perks of being a team member owner include:

• Long-term financial security
• Higher job satisfaction
• Greater job security
• Personal and professional growth
• Great company culture

Other outstanding benefits:

• Excellent insurance coverage
• 401(k) match
• Generous PTO
• Health and wellness incentives
• Tuition and certification reimbursement
• Countless opportunities to give back to the community through i3 Cares

We work hard. We compete hard. We play hard. Apply now to join us!