Chief AI Subject Matter Expert - JobID-0274 at Innovative… · San Diego

About The Role:

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), a leading defense technology company, is seeking a Chief AI Subject Matter Expert (SME) to be part of our Integrated Warfare Systems Division and based out of our Arlington, VA, Mt. Laurel, NJ, or San Diego, CA locations.

The Chief AI Subject Matter Expert will serve as a strategic and technical advisor on the effective adoption, implementation, and governance of artificial intelligence across the Division. They will spearhead the development of software in an AI-augmented engineering environment where generative AI tools are used throughout the software lifecycle — including requirements analysis, architecture design, code generation, test creation, debugging, documentation, and system analysis.

The SME will bring expert level knowledge of AI technologies including generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), machine learning, and AI automation, as well as responsible AI guidelines that translate into practical business solutions. They will help establish and champion AI-accelerated development practices across engineering teams, demonstrating how generative AI can dramatically increase engineering velocity while maintaining high reliability, security, and mission assurance standards required for defense systems.

The engineer will work within multidisciplinary teams to accelerate delivery, enhance reliability, and operationalize autonomous and intelligent behaviors across complex DoW systems. The ideal candidate combines deep AI expertise with strong business acumen and communication skills and can explain complex AI concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

The Integrated Warfare Systems Division is composed of four mission critical business units within the IDT organization and is directly responsible for building, testing, and deploying the Navy’s next generation of tactical warfare and weapons systems. As the nation enters the ‘technology-first’ era of warfare, the Integrated Warfare Systems Division will be responsible for enabling and accelerating the mission critical tactical capability that is delivered to the warfighter. The AI Subject Matter Expert will work with our team of software and systems engineers building tactically relevant and technically innovative solutions to ensure the highest impact to the US Navy.

Clearance & Location Requirements:

• All applicants must be able to obtain/maintain an active Secret U.S. Security Clearance.
• This is an on-site position. Requiring at least 3 days in office, based out of our Arlington, VA, Mt. Laurel, NJ, or San Diego, CA locations.

Key Responsibilities

What You Will Do:

• Serve as the organization’s subject matter expert on AI, generative AI, LLMs, machine learning, and emerging AI capabilities
• Lead the integration of AI Components into Complex DoW Software Environments
• Lead the integration of AI models and services into mission-critical software systems.
• Demonstrate and share AI-enabled engineering techniques that improve team productivity and software quality
• Lead the definition and evolution of AI-augmented engineering standards, patterns, and best practices
• Develop Intelligent Data Processing and NLP Pipelines
• Deliver AI‑Enabled Dashboards, Interfaces, and Insights
• Develop proofs-of-concepts and demonstrations to validate potential AI use cases
• Prototype and evaluate emerging AI developer tooling (e.g. agent frameworks, code copilots, automated testing agents)
• Use generative AI tools (e.g. LLM copilots, autonomous coding agents, AI test generators) as a core part of daily software engineering workflows
• Mentor engineering teams on effective use of generative AI in development workflows
• Help identify areas of the software lifecycle that can be accelerated through generative AI and automation.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Who You Are (Required):

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent full-time professional experience.
• 15+ years of full-time professional experience
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time, as needed
• Demonstrated curiosity and experimentation with emerging AI technologies and engineering practices.
• Daily use of generative AI coding tools such as GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Codeium, ChatGPT, Claude, or similar systems
• Ability to critically evaluate AI-generated code for correctness, security, and performance
• Expert level of experience with:
  • agent-based development workflows and AI-assisted engineering environments
  • LLM APIs, RAG architectures, vector databases, and model evaluation
  • designing prompt workflows or system prompts to improve developer productivity
  • understanding of AI concepts and practical deployment patterns
  • using LLMs for code generation, debugging, test generation, and documentation automation
  • engineering solutions that integrate AI models into production workflows to improve User Experience and productivity
• Demonstrated ability to scope requirements for engineering solutions that meet business challenges using AI with measurable outcomes
• Understanding of security and compliance considerations when implementing AI solutions, especially in sensitive or classified environments, to support multiple deployment environments
• Understanding of secure software development practices and AI-specific security risks as they pertain to a full SDLC
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to define requirements, scope projects, and deliver solutions independently
• Strong communication skills — ability to collaborate and explain complex concepts to diverse audiences, and synthesize details into actionable recommendations and implementations
• Cross-functional collaboration — builds strong relationships across engineering, security, compliance, etc.

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Experience with:
  • building AI-augmented developer tooling
  • LLM orchestration frameworks (LangChain, LangGraph, Semantic Kernel, etc.)
  • integrating AI capabilities into DevSecOps pipelines
  • deploying or operating self-hosted LLMs in secure environments
• Proficiency in containerization (Docker, Podman, etc.) and orchestration frameworks (Swarm, Kubernetes, etc.)
• Development, system integration, and test experience with complex DoW systems
• Experience supporting and working with cross-functional teams in a dynamic environment
• Familiarity with US Navy and US Army tactical C2 or sensor system designs (e.g. Aegis, CEC, CAC2S, IBCS, SPY-1)
• Experience with creating and configuring Virtual Machines (VMware, VirtualBox, etc.)
• Problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguous situations
• Excellence in technical communication with peers and non-technical cohorts
• Ability to work closely with Program Managers and Chief Engineers to document, manage and communicate systems and software requirements
• Attention to detail
• Initiative, creativity, reliability, teamwork
• Strong organization and planning skills
• Solid analytical abilities, coupled with a strong sense of ownership, urgency and drive

If you see yourself reflected in this role and are excited about the impact you could make, we encourage you to apply! If you know someone who may be a great fit, please feel free to share this opportunity with your network.

Pay Range*: $198,000 - $328,000 This amount may not be reflective of actual compensation that may be earned as pay is dependent on a candidate’s experience, skills, and education. The posted range does not include bonuses, commissions, tips, or other benefits. IDT is often looking to place multiple candidates at various levels. Therefore, more than one pay range has been included, commensurate with experience.

Job Benefits

Why Work at Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT):

IDT is a growing company with a vibrant, entrepreneurial culture. We are headquartered in Arlington, VA with additional offices in Fall River, MA; Mount Laurel, NJ; and San Diego, CA. At each location, our employees work together in a modern, snack-filled, and social office space, designing innovative solutions for our defense industry customers. We offer employees competitive pay and benefits including:

• Generous benefits package
• Competitive PTO
• Paid holidays
• 401(k) with immediate vesting and matching
• 9/80 optional schedule (2nd and 4th Friday off every month)
• Tuition Assistance Reimbursement Program
• Professional Development Resources
• Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits
• Organization-Wide Monthly Tech Connect Events
• Annual Employee Recognition Awards
• Regular Social Events and Catered Lunches

EEO Statement:

IDT is an Equal Opportunity employer.