Senior AI Engineer & Software Developer – NATO Data Science & AI Support

Location :

• HQ SACT, Norfolk, VA Position Type : Full-time, Onsite Clearance Requirement : Active NATO or National SECRET (or higher) security clearance Role Overview Ironclad Defense Works (IDW) is seeking an accomplished Senior AI Engineer & Software Developer to join NATO’s Allied Command Transformation (ACT) in supporting the Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (DSAI) Branch.
• This role combines responsibilities in data science, AI / ML engineering, and software development to enhance NATO’s digital transformation, data exploitation, and operational decision support initiatives.
• The successful candidate will lead the design, development, and deployment of secure, scalable, and innovative AI solutions—particularly in areas involving Large Language Models (LLMs), machine learning infrastructure, and data-driven applications that advance NATO’s mission.
• Key Responsibilities Develop and operationalize AI / ML and LLM-based capabilities for NATO transformation and warfare development programs.
• Design, build, and maintain data pipelines, APIs, and distributed systems to support secure and scalable AI solutions across the NATO Enterprise.
• Architect and optimize software systems and AI-enabled platforms, ensuring interoperability, modularity, and NATO-compliant security.
• Collaborate with data scientists, engineers, and subject-matter experts to build and deploy AI demonstrators, proofs of concept, and production-ready tools.
• Implement machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn) to support data modeling, inference, and generative AI applications.
• Lead efforts to improve performance, data quality, and integration within cloud environments (e.g., Microsoft Azure, AWS).
• Develop, test, and maintain microservices, containerized AI applications, and software APIs using tools such as Docker and Kubernetes.
• Provide technical training and mentorship to NATO staff on data engineering, AI, and digital literacy.
• Support outreach and coordination with academic, industry, and defense innovation partners to promote AI adoption and collaboration.
• Stay current on advancements in AI, ML, NLP, and LLM deployment to continuously modernize NATO’s digital capabilities.
• Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, AI Engineering, or a related discipline.
• OR equivalent experience (minimum 6 years in software / AI development within the last 8 years). 4+ years of proven experience in data science, AI / ML engineering, or software development, including work on distributed systems, API-based infrastructures, and containerized applications.
• Expertise in programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++, with proficiency in version control, CI / CD pipelines, and modern software practices.
• Hands-on experience with AI / ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn) and deployment of LLM solutions in secure environments.
• Skilled in designing and managing data pipelines, ETL processes, and real-time data streaming using tools like Apache Airflow, Kafka, or Spark.
• Demonstrated experience in cloud-based architectures (Azure or AWS) and data lake or warehouse technologies (Delta Lake, Snowflake, Hadoop).
• Understanding of NATO data security standards, data privacy, and ethical AI practices.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills, with the ability to brief non-technical audiences and produce high-quality technical deliverables.
• Eligible for and capable of obtaining / maintaining an active NATO or National SECRET clearance.
• Desired Skills Experience implementing Generative AI and LLM fine-tuning for operational or analytical use cases.
• Knowledge of federated learning and secure data collaboration within multinational or classified environments.
• Experience leading or contributing to AI outreach, hackathons, or academic / industry engagements.
• Familiarity with Big Data ecosystems (Databricks, Spark) and DevSecOps best practices.
• Ability to act as a “data storyteller,” transforming technical results into actionable insights for leadership.
• Working knowledge of NATO processes, culture, and organizational structures.
• Exposure to agile methodologies and project management tools (Jira, Trello, or Loop).
• Additional European language proficiency (preferred but not required).

Application Instructions Apply directly through the posted job ad and link.

Candidates may also send a cover letter and NATO-format resume emphasizing relevant AI, data science, and multinational experience to :