[Remote] R&D Software Engineer — AI/ML Mission Solutions

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Rackner is a software consultancy focused on building mission-critical systems for the U.S. government. They are seeking an R&D Software Engineer — AI/ML Mission Solutions to help build, prototype, validate, and improve AI/data-driven software capabilities for defense-relevant use cases. Responsibilities Design, prototype, test, and refine AI/data-driven software capabilities for mission-focused use casesCreate software supporting data workflows, AI/ML experimentation, model integration, simulation, algorithmic processing, and applied R&D prototypesDevelop and enhance data pipelines, schema transformations, JSON workflows, APIs, backend services, and integration layersContribute to AI/ML processes including inference, evaluation, deployment, monitoring, and model-serving patternsEnsure output quality through testing, data validation, evaluation techniques, debugging, monitoring, and failure analysisDiagnose and resolve complex issues across software, data, model, and integration layersCollaborate with engineers and technical leadership to assess tradeoffs, identify constraints, and strengthen solution designParticipate in technical demos, R&D events, mission-user discussions, and iterative feedback cycles as neededConvert stakeholder or mission feedback into actionable technical stepsClearly convey technical concepts to engineering teams, program stakeholders, customers, and mission users Skills U.S. citizenship required due to federal contract requirementsEligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearanceStrong software engineering background with hands-on experience building, testing, debugging, and improving modern systemsProficiency in Python, C++, Java, Go, SQL, or a similar language used for backend, data, AI/ML, or algorithmic workDemonstrated ability to solve complex problems involving data workflows, algorithms, AI/ML systems, simulations, pipelines, integrations, or applied R&DAbility to clearly explain system architecture, data flow, tradeoffs, validation methods, failure modes, and individual contributionsFamiliarity with real-world data workflows, including data sources, APIs, schemas, transformations, databases, files, events, and logsComfortable working in fast-paced environments with evolving requirementsWillingness to travel approximately 15% for R&D events, demos, collaboration sessions, or customer and mission engagementsActive Secret clearance or higherDoD, Air Force, Platform One, Big Bang, mission planning, C2, ISR, autonomy, or defense technology experienceAI/ML systems, applied AI workflows, model integration, model evaluation, model deployment, model serving, model registry, or model monitoringMLOps tools or workflows such as MLflow, SageMaker, Databricks, Kubeflow, Airflow, Dagster, Prefect, or similar toolsData pipelines, ETL/ELT workflows, schema transformations, JSON transformations, dbt pipelines, or messy data integration workflowsData validation, data quality checks, pipeline monitoring, failure handling, debugging, or observability for data/model workflowsAlgorithms, optimization, simulation, scientific computing, applied mathematics, physics-informed software, computer vision, autonomy, or roboticsPython, C++, SQL, PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit-learn, FastAPI, Postgres, or related software/data/AI toolingTechnical demos, pilots, field exercises, workshops, briefings, or customer / mission-user discussionsCloud, Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, CI/CD, DevSecOps, ATO, or secure delivery experience Benefits Company-supported certifications aligned to current and future program work, including cloud, Kubernetes, DevSecOps, security, AI/ML, project management, and related technical areasClear advancement tracks and future leadership opportunities401(k) with 100% match up to 6%Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverageGenerous PTO and paid holidaysHome-office equipment plan and remote work supportFitness and wellness reimbursementWeekly pay schedule and modern perks, including team events Company Overview Rackner is a cloud-native consultancy which enables Digital Transformation for enterprises and startups It was founded in 2015, and is headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA, with a workforce of 51-200 employees. Its website is https://www.rackner.com/.