AI Solutions Architect

Role Overview

The AI Solutions Architect will lead the architecture, implementation, and operationalization of Generative AI and Machine Learning solutions with a strong focus on Google Gemini, Google Cloud / Vertex AI, and private enterprise LLM deployments.

Because we operate in the defense sector, security and compliance are paramount. You will collaborate closely with IT Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, and Compliance Teams to ensure all AI tools and pipelines strictly adhere to CMMC (Level 2+), NIST SP 800-171, NIST AI RMF, and ITAR regulations.

Key Responsibilities

1. AI Architecture & Development

• Design, build, and maintain production-ready AI/ML applications, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) pipelines, and intelligent automation tools for internal business and manufacturing workflows.
• Integrate and fine-tune foundation models, specifically Google Gemini (Gemini Pro/Flash via Vertex AI) and open-source models deployed in private VPCs/enclaves.
• Build robust APIs, microservices, and orchestration connecting AI agents to enterprise IT systems (ERP, PLM, MES, and knowledge repositories).

2. Secure Environment & Enclave Engineering

• Design and implement zero-trust, isolated, and containerized deployment environments for AI workloads (Kubernetes, FedRAMP-authorized cloud, or on-prem/hybrid infrastructure).
• Implement strict data loss prevention (DLP), encryption in transit/at rest, role-based access control (RBAC), and sanitization to prevent unauthorized model training on proprietary CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information) or IP.
• Ensure safeguards against prompt injection, data exfiltration, model poisoning, and hallucination risks.

3. Compliance & Governance

• Ensure all AI architectures and data pipelines comply with CMMC 2.0 (Level 2/3), NIST SP 800-171, NIST SP 800-53, and the NIST AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF).
• Collaborate with the CISO and IT Compliance team to maintain audit trails, system security plans (SSPs), data lineage documentation, and compliance artifacts for AI systems.
• Validate that third-party AI APIs and infrastructure adhere to ITAR, EAR, and FedRAMP High/Moderate requirements.

4. IT Collaboration & Enablement

• • Partner with IT operations, software engineering, and business units to identify high-impact AI use cases (e.g., predictive maintenance, compliance documentation, drawing parsing, automated IT helpdesk).
  • Provide technical guidance, best practice documentation, and training on safe, authorized internal AI usage.

Required Qualifications

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen (due to ITAR and export control requirements; eligible to obtain/maintain a U.S. DoD Security Clearance if required).
• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Experience:
• 4+ years of professional software engineering / data engineering experience.
• 2+ years of hands-on experience building, deploying, and operationalizing Generative AI / LLM applications.
• Technical Skills:
• Deep experience with Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Vertex AI, and the Google Gemini API ecosystem.
• Proficiency in Python and modern AI frameworks
• Experience with vector databases (e.g., Vertex Vector Search, Pinecone, Milvus, pgvector) and enterprise RAG architecture.
• Strong understanding of modern IT infrastructure (Docker, Kubernetes, Linux, CI/CD, Terraform).
• Cybersecurity & Compliance:
• Working knowledge of NIST SP 800-171, NIST SP 800-53, and CMMC requirements for handling CUI/FCI.
• Experience implementing secure architectural patterns (Zero Trust, RBAC/ABAC, TLS 1.3, HSM/KMS-managed keys).

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working within the Aerospace, Defense, or Federal Government contractor sector.
• Familiarity with the NIST AI Risk Management Framework (NIST AI 100-1) and OWASP Top 10 for LLMs.
• Experience deploying self-hosted, quantized LLMs in air-gapped or disconnected environments.

Additional Requirements

• • Must have professional working proficiency reading, writing, and speaking English.
  • Ability to use a computer and most common software programs to complete assignments
  • Ability to communicate with individuals and groups in person, by phone and online

  The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Management may modify or assign additional duties as needed.

Job Details

Type: Full Time, Exempt

Salary Range: $130,000 to $150,000

Schedule: Core business hours, M-F with additional hours as needed

Base Location: Irvine, CA

Travel: Up to 15%