Senior AI Engineer

Zachary Piper Solutions is hiring a Senior AI Engineer to lead complex artificial intelligence initiatives supporting mission-critical defense aviation systems. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise with leadership experience to drive innovation in AI model design, data integrity, and integration across large-scale engineering environments. This role sits at the forefront of AI’s evolution within defense—where advanced learning systems meet the most sophisticated machines in the world.

An active Secret Clearance is highly preferred.

Responsibilities of the Senior AI Engineer:

• Lead end-to-end design and implementation of AI models for aerospace and defense applications.
• Oversee data quality, preprocessing, and feature engineering for high-volume datasets.
• Guide model evaluation, optimization, and deployment within secure environments.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to align AI efforts with mission objectives.
• Mentor junior engineers and enforce engineering best practices.
• Ensure compliance with security, ethical, and regulatory AI standards.
• Research and implement advanced techniques in deep learning and model interpretability.

Qualifications for the Senior AI engineer:

• Bachelor’s degree + 5 years of experience, Master’s + 3 years, or Ph.D. + 1 year.
• Advanced proficiency in Python, C++, and AI frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Experience with embedded or real-time systems preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership in AI projects within regulated environments.
• Excellent collaboration and communication abilities.
• U.S. Citizenship required; eligible for DoD Security Clearance.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary: $140,000 - $180,000 *Depending on years of experience*
• Competitive benefits including healthcare, 401(k), and paid time off.
• Career development opportunities with cutting-edge defense AI programs.
• Onsite collaboration with senior technical experts in a secure environment.

Shape the next generation of intelligent defense systems through applied AI leadership.

This job opens for applicants on 11/10/25 and will be screening candidates for the next 30 days.

Keywords: Senior AI Engineer, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Data Pipelines, Defense Technology, Model Optimization, Embedded Systems, Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Leadership, Clearance, Avionics, AI Model Development