Principal AI Engineer

Overview

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).

Responsibilities

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.

Qualifications

* 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…