Principal Data and AI Solutions Engineer – Joint Simulation Environment (JSE)

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.; Nevada (IA); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense technology firm is seeking a Principal Data & AI Solutions Engineer to enhance data-driven decision-making for military customers. This role requires expertise in data engineering, AI/ML techniques, and developing dashboards with tools like Power BI. Ideal candidates have over 8 years of experience in relevant fields and strong leadership skills, with a focus on creating efficient data solutions in high-stakes environments.

Benefits

Flexible schedules

Education reimbursement

401(k) match

Bonus program

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8+ years of experience in data engineering or related field.
• Proven experience designing and deploying dashboards and visualizations.
• Strong programming skills in Python or R for data manipulation.

Responsibilities

• Identify and implement AI/ML solutions for data analysis.
• Lead development of dashboards to provide actionable insights.
• Engage with stakeholders to understand data needs and collaborate.

Skills

Data engineering

AI/ML techniques

Dashboard development

Python programming

SQL and NoSQL database management

Data visualization tools

Leadership skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

Spark

Hadoop

Job description

Overview

Principal Data & AI Solutions Engineer – Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) role at Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI). Location: Edwards Air Force Base, CA or Nellis AFB, NV. This role supports the Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) and involves data engineering, advanced data visualization, and the strategic application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to empower JSE leadership and military customers with data-driven decision-making for system performance assessment, anomaly resolution, and warfighting capability evaluation.

The ideal candidate will be a proactive advocate for cutting-edge data tools, automation strategies, and AI capabilities to enhance the JSE’s ability to support warfighter needs and accelerate critical test and acquisition outcomes. The role requires the ability to define value, navigate diverse challenges, and lead data exploitation in a high-stakes defense environment, including working across a distributed JSE environment and potentially multiple classified networks and locations.

Responsibilities

• AI/ML Application & Innovation: Identify, prototype, and implement AI/ML solutions to enhance JSE test data analysis and operational effectiveness. Develop automated identification of critical events, rapid anomaly detection, predictive modeling for system performance envelopes, and intelligent data querying for complex test scenarios. Use AI/ML to track key Measures of Effectiveness (MOE) and Measures of Performance (MOP) and provide automated insights into system behavior. Explore AI-driven automation for test planning and execution lifecycle improvements (e.g., intelligent test point selection, scenario generation, resource allocation).
• Advanced Dashboarding & Visualization: Lead design, development, and deployment of high-impact dashboards and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, custom web apps) to translate complex JSE data into actionable insights for leadership and mission customers. Automate data pipelines and reporting to deliver timely performance metrics and trends.
• Experimentation & Rapid Prototyping: Conduct rapid prototyping and proofs-of-concept for new data visualization, automation, and AI/ML capabilities. Drive iterative development and stakeholder feedback for continuous improvement.
• Technical Advocacy & Tool Adoption: Champion new data tools, platforms, and AI/ML technologies within the JSE. Research industry trends and articulate potential benefits for data efficiency, insights generation, and mission effectiveness.
• Customer & Stakeholder Collaboration: Engage with JSE leadership, graduates of the Test Pilot School, and senior military customers to understand data needs and deliver solutions.
• Data Quality & Governance: Help establish and refine data quality, integrity, and security practices across JSE data assets. Implement validation, error-checking, and classification to ensure reliability of insights; contribute to evolving governance frameworks.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead and grow technical teams within the JSE, including recruitment, knowledge transfer, mentoring, and establishing clear objectives and performance metrics.

Experience, Qualifications & Education

• Minimum of 8+ years of progressive experience in data engineering, data science, business intelligence, or related field, with a focus on large-scale data sets.
• Experience designing, developing, and deploying interactive dashboards and data visualizations (Power BI, Tableau, QlikView, or similar).
• Proven experience with data modeling, ETL/ELT processes, and database management (SQL, NoSQL, data lakes).
• Strong programming skills in Python or R, with data manipulation libraries (e.g., Pandas) and statistical analysis.
• Practical experience applying AI/ML techniques (supervised/unsupervised learning, NLP) for data analysis and predictive analytics.
• Experience processing and analyzing time-series, spectral, and spatial data in aerospace test environments.
• Ability to work in evolving environments, define solutions, and articulate value to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex data insights clearly to senior leadership.
• Experience in defense or military aviation and understanding of military test and evaluation processes; experience with data integration across disparate networks/systems.
• Experience designing and implementing data solutions for real-time monitoring and operational decision support in high-stakes environments.
• Strong leadership, collaboration, and stakeholder influence skills; strong business acumen and understanding of defense acquisition processes.

Desired Qualifications

• Time-series analysis, anomaly detection, deep learning for sensor data, and reinforcement learning for simulation parameter optimization.
• Distributed computing frameworks (e.g., Spark, Hadoop).
• Metadata management tools and data governance frameworks.
• Knowledge of simulation data formats and standards for military aircraft testing.
• Exposure to control room operations or test execution environments.
• Understanding of aeronautical sciences, aircraft mission systems, or flight test data.
• Experience with on-premise, cloud (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), and hybrid data infrastructures and their trade-offs for large-scale data management.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Engineering, Mathematics, or related quantitative field; or equivalent combination of degree and career experience.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Clearance

• Active TOP SECRET clearance with SCI eligibility; ability to obtain and maintain SAP access as required.

Travel

• Occasional travel may be required for customer engagements, conferences, or technology scouting.

Citizenship

U.S. Citizenship is required for this position.

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay range in California: $175,000–$210,000/year; base pay may vary by contract, knowledge, skills, and experience.
• Comprehensive benefits: medical, financial, and other offerings; base pay reflects market location and contract requirements.
• Perks and benefits include PTO, holidays, flexible schedules, education reimbursement, ESOP, 401(k) match, bonus program, mentorship, and more.

EEO Statement

MTSI is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to Equal Opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, military/veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

Note

This description reflects the role as described and does not introduce new facts beyond the original content. References to company programs or external sites are kept to a minimum and relevant to the role.