AI Solutions Engineer

AI Solutions Engineer

Nakupuna Consulting seeks an AI Solutions Engineer for an Amazon Web Services (AWS) environment with strong technical expertise in constructing, developing and extending Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) models. This individual will help the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) imagine and scope AI/ML use cases that will create the greatest value for the agency, define paths to navigate technical challenges, develop proof-of-concepts, and make plans for launching solutions  AI Engineer will design models using data from DPAA's Mission Application Suite – like military personnel case files and excavation site reports – to further identify missing personnel from previous conflicts.

The position collaborates closely with customers and mission partners to develop innovative solutions that enhance DPAA's global efforts to locate, recover, and identify missing personnel through cutting-edge technologies and cross-functional teamwork. The AI Engineer will also collaborate with contractors and government IT professionals to accomplish system architecture and sustainment objectives.

Technical Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with AI/ML scientists and architects to research, design, develop, and evaluate generative AI solutions addressing real-world challenges.
• Engage directly with customers to understand their business problems and assist in the implementation of generative AI solutions.
• Brief customers and guide them on adoption strategies and production deployment pathways.
• Create and deliver best practice recommendations, tutorials, blog posts, sample code, and presentations tailored to technical, business, and executive audiences.
• Provide customer and market feedback to product and engineering teams to influence product direction and roadmap.
• Implement data pipelines, vectorization methods, and API integrations using Python.
• Utilize AWS AI/ML services such as Amazon Sage Maker, Bedrock, and Comprehend for model development, fine-tuning, and orchestration.
• Manage structured and unstructured data using AWS storage and retrieval solutions like Amazon S3, Open Search, and Aurora.
• Apply vector database technologies such as FAISS, Pinecone, or Open Search vector search for document retrieval and similarity search.
• Integrate LLM APIs and apply prompt engineering techniques to connect retrieval systems with generative models.
• Demonstrate basic Dev Ops and security awareness on AWS, including IAM roles, networking (VPCs), and data encryption practices.
• Use containerization and orchestration tools such as Docker and AWS Lambda/ECS for scalable RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) pipeline deployment.
• Utilize AWS Lambda to run responses triggered by alerts from integrated services.
• Support security and operations using AWS-native technologies, ensuring compliance with DoD security requirements.
• Evaluate and propose new AWS technologies and modernization paths to enhance operational efficiency and security with AI solutions.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), technical documentation, and reports on system operations.
• Adhere to Agile program best practices such as participation and management of team scrums and sprint plannings.
• Document and track all work using the program approved ticketing system.

Skills/Qualifications:

• Strong technical expertise in AWS Gov Cloud and Microsoft Windows Server environments.
• Excellent technical, organizational, decision-making, and analytical skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage both technical staff and executive stakeholders.
• Ability to enforce program best practices (ticketing, documentation, reporting).
• Familiarity with DoD IT environments, compliance requirements, and cybersecurity standards.
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic, fast-paced environment and support teams across geographically dispersed locations.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited institution, or equivalent years of related work or military experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience, including systems administration and cloud operations.
• Experience supporting DoD IT environments preferred.
• Experience using Agile methodologies and ticketing systems such as JIRA is desirable.

Preferred Certification(s):

• Active IAT II Certification which may include CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+), CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), or CompTIA Security+.
• AWS certification (e.g., AWS Certified AI Practitioner, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, AWS Sys Ops Administrator Associate, AWS Solutions Architect Associate)

Clearance Requirements: Must currently have at least a Secret level security clearance in Hawaii and TS/SCI in Arlington, Virginia. Must be a U.S. citizen.

Work Location:

• Position may be based in either Arlington, VA or Honolulu, HI.
• Preferred: on-site three (3) days per week. Will consider fewer days on-site for the correct…