Junior AI/ML Engineer

Join a Mission That Matters

Torch.AI builds the government’s AI-native control layer—a foundational data and intelligence capability designed to give the United States enduring ownership over how knowledge is created, managed, and applied in mission-critical environments. Our vision is simple and profound: ensure the U.S.—not a vendor—operates its own AI infrastructure to make decisive, real-time operational decisions.

We work at the center of national security, helping agencies transform data into actionable knowledge across domains including information advantage, ISR, joint effects, force protection, and mission support. If you’re driven to build technology that strengthens U.S. defense readiness and protects national interests, Torch.AI offers an opportunity to make meaningful impact at national scale.

What It’s Like to Work Here

Torch.AI operates at the intersection of advanced AI, secure systems, and real-world operations. We solve complex, high-stakes problems by building scalable, modular technology that reduces cognitive burden, improves mission performance, and delivers timely, reliable, predictive intelligence.

Here, you’ll collaborate with a diverse team of engineers, data experts, veterans, and mission practitioners. You’ll have the autonomy to own meaningful work and the support of teammates who share context openly, challenge assumptions, and think creatively. Every day brings something different—early prototypes, production deployments, mission support, or scaling next-generation capabilities.

We’re a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment where curiosity, adaptability, and a deep commitment to national security drive everything we do.

Role Overview

This role blends program management, systems engineering awareness, and deployment coordination for mission-critical AI and data platforms across classified and unclassified environments. You will drive cross-functional execution, ensure technical alignment between engineering and mission stakeholders, and support deployments into secure environments.

While this role is not a software engineering position, the TPM must be technical enough to:

• understand system architectures
• interpret API-level requirements
• validate deployments across networks
• run basic scripts or tools
• support troubleshooting during Go-Live

The TPM does not build automation frameworks, own CI/CD pipelines, or function as a full-stack engineer.

A TS/SCI clearance is required given mission responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Implement and evaluate ML models under the guidance of senior engineers, using libraries such as scikit-learn, spaCy, or PyTorch/TensorFlow.
• Support data preparation, preprocessing, feature engineering, and dataset curation.
• Contribute to components of retrieval or generation pipelines using LLMs and embeddings, with mentorship.
• Participate in building prototype applications using frameworks like LangChain or Haystack.
• Run experiments for NLP/NLU tasks such as classification, entity extraction, or information retrieval.
• Learn and apply foundational concepts in deployment, monitoring, and model  lifecycle management.
• Participate in code reviews, documentation, and agile development processes.

What We Value 

• B.S. in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• 1–3 years of experience in software engineering or applied ML (internships included).
• Solid Python fundamentals.
• Familiarity with at least one ML/NLP library (scikit-learn, spaCy, Transformers).
• Understanding of basic ML concepts: preprocessing, training loops, metrics, validation.
• Exposure to cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP), containers, or CI/CD is welcome but not expected.
• Exposure to LLMs, embeddings, or vector search is a plus—not required.
• Exposure to MLOps tooling (MLflow, DVC, FastAPI) is a plus—not required.
• Strong communication skills and eagerness to collaborate and learn.
• Industry or defense experience is a plus, not required.

Security Clearance

Some roles require an active Secret, Top Secret, or Top Secret/SCI clearance. If you do not currently hold an active clearance but believe you may be eligible, we encourage you to apply as sponsorship is also available.

Work Location

We hire for roles at our headquarters in Leawood, KS, and for hybrid/remote positions in the Arlington, VA, Washington, DC, and Maryland (DMV) region. Some roles may require limited travel (<10%) to customer sites.

Incentives

• Equity participation for all employees within the first 12 months
• Competitive salary quarterly performance bonus
• Unlimited PTO 11 paid company holidays
• High-growth, mission-driven environment with significant professional development opportunities

·       Weekly in-office catering at HQ

Benefits

Torch.AI provides benefits that exceed regional and national benchmarks across multiple categories:

401(k)

• Torch.AI provides participating employees with the option to enroll in a company-sponsored plan. Currently, Torch.AI does not provide matching. 

Medical

• Three plan options: PPO, HSA, TRICARE Supplement
• HSA contributions significantly above regional norms
• Rare TRICARE Supplement offering (top ~18% of employers)

Spending Accounts

• HSA, FSA, and Dependent Care FSA with high employer contributions and rollover flexibility

Dental

• Plans with annual maximums up to 2.6× the national average

Vision

• VSP Choice network with above-market frame allowances

Life Insurance

• Employer-paid life insurance equal to 1× salary (substantial above-market coverage)

Disability & Illness

• Top 10% regional coverage for STD and LTD (both employer paid)

Voluntary Benefits

• Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity
• Commuter benefits up to $300/month (tax-free)

Torch.AI is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.