Lead Software & AI Engineer (Navy/DoD)

THOR Solutions, LLC • San Diego, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

THOR Solutions is actively seeking a highly motivated Lead Software & AI Engineer to support an upcoming contract at the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific (NIWC PAC) in San Diego, CA. The position will design, develop, and integrate cutting-edge Machine Learning (ML), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Large Language Model (LLM) capabilities into Navy C2 decision support systems. This role is central to advancing automated decision aids that enhance warfighter situational awareness and accelerate the kill chain. An ideal candidate will have significant hands-on development experience using microservices, containers, and Kubernetes, as well as experience developing/integrating ML, AI, and LLM into operational systems. This contract is expected to begin in or around December 2026.

Requirements

• At least five (5) years hands-on software development using microservices, containers, and Kubernetes.
• Experience developing/integrating Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence (ML/AI) or Large Language Models (LLM) into operational systems.
• Possess one or more of the following active certifications, to meet DoD 8140/8570 IAT Level II and/or intermediate proficiency level baseline for CSWF approval: CompTIA Security+ (Sec+), Cisco Certified Network Associate-Security (CCNA-Security), CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+), EC-Council Certified Network Defender (CND), CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Associate
• Proficient with common productivity software.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Existing TOP SECRET/SCI Security Clearance Required: This position requires a TOP SECRET/SCI security clearance. Candidates must either already possess an active or interim TS/SCI clearance OR be TS/SCI Eligible with a completed Tier 5 investigation.
• Only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance; therefore, only current U.S. citizens will be considered for this position.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar ML frameworks.
• Familiarity with Navy C2 systems, particularly MTC2 or C2X.
• Experience developing software for DoD DevSecOps pipelines (e.g., Overmatch Software Armory).
• Knowledge of Operations Research techniques and optimization algorithms.

Responsibilities

• Develop ML/AI/Operations Research (OR) methods to interpret Common Operational Picture (COP) displays and generate alerts based on CCIRs and predictive Enemy Courses of Action (ECOAs)
• Design and implement dynamic/probabilistic decision automation tools using ML/AI, Generative AI (GENAI), and LLMs
• Develop Natural Language Processing (NLP) methods for parsing and interpreting Navy-wide and CSG OPTASKS and Pre-Planned Responses (PPRs)
• Build, test, and refine Large Language Models tailored to operational Navy requirements
• Integrate GENAI capabilities into existing C2 software architectures
• Develop software products utilizing microservices, containers, service mesh, and Kubernetes
• Apply cybersecurity best practices throughout the software development lifecycle

Benefits

• Paid Time Off (accrued)
• Paid Holidays
• 401(k) with employer match and traditional/Roth options
• Medical Insurance (3 plan options) + TRICARE Supplemental Coverage
• Dental Insurance (2 plan options)
• Vision Insurance Plan
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Commuter/Transit Benefits
• Basic Life/AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Pet Benefits
• Legal Resources
• ID Theft Benefits
• Employee Assistant Plan and Work-Life Program
• Voluntary Leave Transfer Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Referral Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed