The Arena
Location:
Onsite | Washington, DC – up to 25% Travel
Clearance:
Active TS/SCI with CI Polygraph
Employment Type:
Full-time, salaried, with full benefits
About the Company:
Our client is a mission‑driven technology company transforming how the U.S. defense and intelligence community leverages artificial intelligence. The company integrates cutting‑edge AI, next‑generation sensors, and advanced data solutions into operational environments—delivering capabilities that matter at the speed of mission.
The team is built from seasoned operators, technologists, and problem‑solvers who thrive in small, fast‑moving groups. They are deeply connected to the mission, move with urgency, and empower their people to take ownership. The problems they tackle are complex and high impact: accelerating decision‑making, enhancing warfighter effectiveness, and shaping the future of defense technology.
About the Role:
The Mid‑Level AI/IC Mission Engineer will serve as the connective tissue between mission users and technical teams. This role focuses on engaging with analysts, operators, and Combatant Command stakeholders to uncover operational needs, translate them into technical requirements, and guide the delivery of AI‑enabled capabilities.
While the Mission Engineer is not primarily responsible for building models or writing production code, strong technical fluency is required to effectively shape features, evaluate trade‑offs, and ensure that solutions are aligned with mission realities. Flyaway billets may involve up to 25% travel for user discovery and deployment support.
Primary Responsibilities
Conduct discovery with operators/analysts; map workflows and capture mission needs.
Draft information papers, presentations, and decision materials for senior IC/DoD stakeholders.
Translate operational requirements into epics, user stories, and prioritized backlogs.
Partner with software, data, and AI/ML engineers to guide feature development and integration.
Support field deployments, user acceptance, feedback cycles, and capability demonstrations.
Contribute to system evaluations and cross‑agency integration efforts.
Operate in a small, fast‑moving team; exercise initiative amid ambiguity.
Required Experience
Active
TS/SCI
with ability to obtain a
CI Polygraph .
Typically
5+ years
of relevant mission, systems, or technical experience (years are guidelines; impact matters).
Demonstrated ability to bridge mission and technology (e.g., requirements, systems engineering, AO/staff roles).
Strong technical literacy across AI/ML, data, and software systems to engage engineering teams effectively.
Excellent written and verbal communication for senior‑level briefs/papers; strong stakeholder management.
Proven success in ambiguous, high‑tempo environments.
Preferred Experience
Strong background in machine learning, deep learning, and statistical modeling.
Experience with AI/ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit‑learn, etc.).
Proficiency in Python, R, or similar data‑science languages.
Knowledge of data preprocessing, feature engineering, and model evaluation techniques.
Understanding of IC mission domains and operational environments.
Cloud experience (AWS preferred); prior military service or direct DoD/IC support.
Benefits
Equity participation
Unlimited paid time off (PTO)
Paid parental leave
Paid holidays
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
Seniority Level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type
Full-time
Job Function
Engineering, Consulting, and Information Technology
Industries
Defense and Space Manufacturing and Software Development
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at The Arena by 2x
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Onsite | Washington, DC – up to 25% Travel
Clearance:
Active TS/SCI with CI Polygraph
Employment Type:
Full-time, salaried, with full benefits
About the Company:
Our client is a mission‑driven technology company transforming how the U.S. defense and intelligence community leverages artificial intelligence. The company integrates cutting‑edge AI, next‑generation sensors, and advanced data solutions into operational environments—delivering capabilities that matter at the speed of mission.
The team is built from seasoned operators, technologists, and problem‑solvers who thrive in small, fast‑moving groups. They are deeply connected to the mission, move with urgency, and empower their people to take ownership. The problems they tackle are complex and high impact: accelerating decision‑making, enhancing warfighter effectiveness, and shaping the future of defense technology.
About the Role:
The Mid‑Level AI/IC Mission Engineer will serve as the connective tissue between mission users and technical teams. This role focuses on engaging with analysts, operators, and Combatant Command stakeholders to uncover operational needs, translate them into technical requirements, and guide the delivery of AI‑enabled capabilities.
While the Mission Engineer is not primarily responsible for building models or writing production code, strong technical fluency is required to effectively shape features, evaluate trade‑offs, and ensure that solutions are aligned with mission realities. Flyaway billets may involve up to 25% travel for user discovery and deployment support.
Primary Responsibilities
Conduct discovery with operators/analysts; map workflows and capture mission needs.
Draft information papers, presentations, and decision materials for senior IC/DoD stakeholders.
Translate operational requirements into epics, user stories, and prioritized backlogs.
Partner with software, data, and AI/ML engineers to guide feature development and integration.
Support field deployments, user acceptance, feedback cycles, and capability demonstrations.
Contribute to system evaluations and cross‑agency integration efforts.
Operate in a small, fast‑moving team; exercise initiative amid ambiguity.
Required Experience
Active
TS/SCI
with ability to obtain a
CI Polygraph .
Typically
5+ years
of relevant mission, systems, or technical experience (years are guidelines; impact matters).
Demonstrated ability to bridge mission and technology (e.g., requirements, systems engineering, AO/staff roles).
Strong technical literacy across AI/ML, data, and software systems to engage engineering teams effectively.
Excellent written and verbal communication for senior‑level briefs/papers; strong stakeholder management.
Proven success in ambiguous, high‑tempo environments.
Preferred Experience
Strong background in machine learning, deep learning, and statistical modeling.
Experience with AI/ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit‑learn, etc.).
Proficiency in Python, R, or similar data‑science languages.
Knowledge of data preprocessing, feature engineering, and model evaluation techniques.
Understanding of IC mission domains and operational environments.
Cloud experience (AWS preferred); prior military service or direct DoD/IC support.
Benefits
Equity participation
Unlimited paid time off (PTO)
Paid parental leave
Paid holidays
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
Seniority Level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type
Full-time
Job Function
Engineering, Consulting, and Information Technology
Industries
Defense and Space Manufacturing and Software Development
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at The Arena by 2x
Get notified about new Artificial Intelligence Engineer jobs in
Washington, DC .
Washington, DC $158,400.00-$229,125.00 1 week ago
Washington, DC $100,000.00-$720,000.00 1 week ago
Washington, DC $150,000.00-$180,000.00 1 week ago
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr