Red Alpha
Senior AI/ML Software Engineer (TS/SCI with Polygraph)
114 National Business Pkwy Ste 200, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701-1001
On-site · $200k–$270k (as posted)
First seen by offpeak October 5, 2026
See your drive time Apply on Red Alpha's site
A day in the life:
We are seeking a Senior AI/ML Software Engineer to design, build, and integrate AI-driven capabilities within secure, cloud-based mission systems and analyst workflows. This role will develop full-stack applications and services using technologies such as large language models (LLMs), retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), agentic workflows, and other AI/ML approaches to support cyber data analysis and decision-making.
The position combines software engineering, AI/ML development, and cloud technologies, with a focus on rapidly prototyping, evaluating, and deploying solutions in secure government environments. The Senior AI/ML Software Engineer will work closely with technical teams, Cyber Analysts, and stakeholders to develop capabilities that address mission requirements and evolving data needs.
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Design and develop full-stack applications, services, and tools incorporating LLMs, RAG, agentic workflows, and other AI/ML capabilities.
- Develop and deploy AI/ML models and solutions for data mining, predictive modeling, knowledge discovery, and cyber data analysis.
- Integrate AI/ML capabilities into secure cloud-based architectures using standardized APIs and existing system components.
- Evaluate and monitor model performance using appropriate metrics and representative datasets, including monitoring for data and concept drift and supporting model retraining and fine-tuning.
- Work with Cyber Analysts to respond to vulnerability-related requests and continually improve LLM-enabled capabilities.
- Analyze data patterns related to system and network misconfigurations.
- Collaborate with data engineers, software developers, and stakeholders to define requirements, validate results, and support mission deliverables.
- Evaluate internally developed solutions against commercial, open-source, and industry-standard approaches through analyses of alternatives (AoAs).
- Ensure AI/ML workflows align with DoW cybersecurity, data privacy, and access control requirements, including within isolated cloud environments.
- Support knowledge sharing and training by developing tutorials, best practices, and guidance on AI/ML platforms, technologies, and implementation approaches.
What you bring to the table:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or a related field.
- 10+ years of relevant software engineering and/or AI/ML experience.
- Strong Python development skills, including experience with APIs and backend services.
- Experience with modern AI/ML technologies and concepts, such as LLMs, prompt engineering, RAG, embeddings, and model evaluation.
- Experience with cloud and platform technologies, including AWS and/or Microsoft ecosystems, containers, data services, and secure system integration.
- Familiarity with databases, SQL, configuration management, and infrastructure automation.
- Experience supporting AI/ML, data, cloud, or platform engineering efforts within government, defense, or enterprise environments.
- Ability to rapidly prototype solutions, solve complex technical problems, and adapt based on user feedback.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work across technical and non-technical teams.
- Active TS/SCI with Polygraph.
The total package:
Our total compensation package was strategically designed with our members in mind with the intention to: reward our members for their hard work and commitment to our customers' missions; allow members to share in Red Alpha's success as we continue to grow and expand our footprint; provide long-term career opportunities through stability and internal mobility; and provide the resources our members need to support themselves and their dependents in the form of a robust benefits package. Our total compensation package includes a competitive base salary and benefits such as health, life/disability, 401k, paid time off, professional development, and generous bonus programs. Please visit our benefits tab for additional information. Salary Range:- Disclosed pay ranges are a general guideline, and are not a guarantee of a final salary or compensation. Our approach in determining final salaries takes into consideration a number of factors such as education, certifications, total years of relevant professional experience, actual level of expertise, and the responsibilities of the role itself.
- Based on the outlined roles, responsibilities, and requirements, the projected pay range for this position is: $200,000 - $270,000.
- Retire sooner than planned: Get closer to retirement with up to 10% in 401k contributions, immediately vested.
- Have a career AND a life: Enjoy up to 5 weeks of leave (25 days of personal time off) and 11 paid floating holidays.
- Stay at your best: As a member, we'll pay 100% of your premiums for comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance. We'll also pay the majority of the premiums for your family. Let's not forget free access to a fully equipped state of the art gym!
- Keep current on new technologies and technological advancements: $5250 per year towards ongoing education, trainings, certifications, and maintaining professional memberships.
- Dress in style: Spend up to $300 per year on company branded merchandise featuring top quality brands such as Under Armour, Nike, Carhartt, YETI, etc.
- Enjoy the culture: Attend fun company events throughout the year such as our Oktoberfest, summer picnic, and annual holiday party! These are all in additon to your team events which may include happy hours, baseball games, snowboarding, RenFest, and more!