Principal AI Engineer Security Clearance

Position: Principal AI Engineer with Security Clearance
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…