Innovation Engineer/DIRT Lab Manager (AI/ML Data Engineer)

The Civil-Military Innovation Institute (CMI2) is seeking an Innovation Engineer and DIRT Lab Manager to support the DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory Catalyst Pathfinder program at Fort Huachuca, AZ. This role partners with Soldiers and external teams to drive rapid prototyping, oversee AI/ML-enabled prototype execution, and maintain cybersecurity and compliance for lab environments.

Role Overview

As the Innovation Engineer/DIRT Lab Manager (AI/ML Data Engineer), you will guide innovation activities in a makerspace setting, coordinate prototype execution using Army data and AI platforms, and lead a multidisciplinary team. You will also prepare technical deliverables for senior Army and ARL leadership while ensuring systems, networks, and development environments meet Army cybersecurity standards.

Responsibilities

• Guide and coach Soldiers and partners through prototyping, design thinking, innovation, research projects, and related efforts using makerspace equipment and technologies
• Oversee the technical execution of prototypes using Army data platforms, AI/ML tools, enterprise applications (including Vantage, Maven), and related DevSecOps and cloud environments
• Coach Soldiers to refine problem-solving approaches and improve workflows and outputs within assigned tools
• Ensure correct configuration, security, and compliance for lab systems, networks, and development environments in accordance with Army cybersecurity standards
• Mentor and lead engineers, developers, researchers, and UX professionals to support experimentation, rapid development, and innovation
• Produce technical reports, demos, and briefings for senior Army and ARL personnel
• Manage lab resources, schedules, and coordination with the broader Pathfinder team, with primary alignment to other DIRT Lab personnel
• Promote collaboration across Army innovation ecosystems, including PAEs, CPEs, labs, and operational units

Required Qualifications

• Accredited degree in engineering, computer science, data science, or a related technical field
• 5+ years of experience in technical research and development (R&D), innovation labs, software development, or systems engineering
• Prior experience in AI/ML development, data engineering, or advanced analytics
• Demonstrable proficiency with Python, TypeScript, and React or similar systems
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary technical teams and manage multiple project lines
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with military stakeholders and senior leaders
• Familiarity with Army cybersecurity requirements, Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs), Risk Management Framework (RMF) processes, and secure development methodologies
• Entrepreneurial mindset, including comfort with educated risk, interest in piloting new ideas, commitment to best practices, and continuous improvement through reflection
• Passion for and understanding of the Intelligence Community (IC) mission and vision
• Ability to operate effectively in a highly matrixed organization
• Active Top Secret (TS)/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance, or eligibility to obtain and maintain one
• US Citizenship required

Technologies

• Python
• TypeScript
• React
• Vantage
• Maven
• DevSecOps
• Cloud environments
• STIGs
• RMF

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with Army enterprise data and application ecosystems (including Vantage, Maven, Army cloud environments, DevSecOps pipelines)
• Experience working within or alongside ARL, Program Executive Offices (PEOs), Cross-Functional Teams (CFTs), or operational units
• Experience deploying or integrating solutions in classified or hybrid-cloud environments
• Knowledge of agile development and rapid prototyping practices

Travel Requirement

• Estimated 15%

Location and Work Format

• Fort Huachuca, AZ
• In-person work location

Compensation and Benefits

Pay: USD 95,000 - 120,000 per year.

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance