STINGRAI Cognitive Science (AI/ML) Engineer (Engineer Machine Learning 2) - 29202
Date: Jul 2, 2026
Location: Washington, DC, District of Columbia, United States
Company: HII's Mission Technologies division
Requisition Number: 29202
Required Travel: 11 - 25%
Employment Type: Full Time/Salaried/Exempt
Anticipated Salary Range: $99,000.00 - $175,000.00
Security Clearance: Top Secret
Level of Experience: Mid HI
This opportunity resides with All-Domain Operations (ADO), a business group within HII’s Mission Technologies division. All-Domain Operations comprises multi-domain operations, platforms and logistics, and intelligence operations.
HII designs, develops, integrates and manages the sensors, systems and other assets necessary to support integrated ISR operations and accelerated decision-making. With data fusion and mission management capabilities for the Department of Defense, the combatant commands and the intelligence community, HII advances the mission around the globe.
Leadership Mindset at HII – Mission Technologies
Leadership at HII is a mindset, not a title. Through our Leadership Capability Framework, we define how every employee grows, leads, and contributes—regardless of role. It sets the standard for how you can develop yourself and what you can expect from leaders across our organization. We look for candidates who want to grow in alignment with these capabilities:
- Know & Grow Your People – Commit to learning and supporting team success.
- Build Relationships – Communicate openly, collaborate well, and build trust.
- Take Ownership – Deliver on commitments and take pride in your work.
- Customer First – Focus on the mission and those we serve.
- Shape the Future – Bring ideas, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
- Act with Urgency – Take initiative and follow through with purpose.
These capabilities guide how all employees contribute to our shared success across Mission Technologies.
Who We Are
HII – Mission Technologies is seeking a Cognitive Science (AI/ML) Engineer. The Cognitive Science Engineer supports innovative research, advanced technology development, and the integration of emerging AI and machine‑learning capabilities across mission‑focused programs. This role applies deep expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and software engineering to develop new algorithms, assess cutting‑edge technologies, and provide strategic insights to senior decision‑makers. The engineer evaluates the feasibility and defense applicability of new technological concepts, creates data‑mining architectures, develops analytical models, and designs advanced AI solutions tailored to large and complex datasets. This position also contributes to modeling and simulation environments, integrates AI engines into enterprise systems, and conducts research into advanced ML techniques—including those used for Radio Frequency (RF) data processing.
This requisition supports hiring at multiple experience levels. Final placement will be determined based on the selected applicant’s qualifications, experience, and skill sets.
STINGRAI: Advancing Mission Success Through Intelligence, Innovation, and Operational Excellence
Every day, HII helps U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and its mission partners stay ahead of evolving threats by delivering the intelligence, technology, and operational expertise needed to protect U.S. interests across the Western Hemisphere. Join our team on STINGRAI and support mission-critical operations through advanced intelligence, surveillance, cyber, engineering, and all-domain capabilities that strengthen regional security, enable informed decision-making, and help defend our nation today while preparing for tomorrow's challenges.
What You Will Do
- Support innovative research efforts by leveraging advanced AI/ML expertise to evaluate, develop, and transition emerging technologies
- Provide strategic assessments of current and emerging technologies, delivering insights to senior leaders on feasibility, risk, and defense applications
- Conduct background research to evaluate novel technological concepts and their relevance to mission needs
- Develop data‑mining architectures, models, protocols, statistical reporting, and analytic methodologies to identify trends in large and complex datasets
- Research, design, and develop advanced AI algorithms and solutions at the intersection of AI and data science
- Apply AI and ML methods to refine, optimize, and enhance existing and newly developed algorithms
- Provide analysis, requirements development, algorithm design, implementation, integration, verification, and maintenance for AI software systems
- Collaborate across multi‑functional teams to identify opportunities for improving enterprise‑level IT services and advanced engineering solutions
- Research and implement ML techniques tailored for processing Radio Frequency (RF) data
- Exercise a strong understanding of software systems, deep learning, AI design methods, and system‑of‑systems architectures
- Leverage supporting technologies such as cloud computing, containerization, parallelization, database systems, and Git‑based source management
- Participate in algorithm design, targeting techniques, classification frameworks, and ML development cycles
- Integrate AI engines and ML techniques into modeling and simulation applications
- Follow standard DevOps practices, including source control, change management, and release planning
- Manage workload independently and ensure timely completion of tasks and deliverables
What We Are Looking For
- Level 2: 2 years of relevant experience with bachelor's in related field; 0 years of experience with master's in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 6 years relevant experience
- Level 3: 5 years relevant experience with bachelor's in related field; 3 years relevant experience with master's in related field; 0 years experience with PhD or Juris Doctorate in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 9 years relevant experience
- Level 4: 9 years relevant experience with bachelor's in related field; 7 years relevant experience with master's in related field; 4 years relevant experience with PhD or Juris Doctorate in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 13 years relevant experience.
- Level 5:15 years relevant experience with bachelor's in related field; 13 years relevant experience with master's in related field; 10 years relevant experience with PhD or Juris Doctorate in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 19 years relevant experience
- Demonstrated experience researching, designing, developing, and implementing AI/ML algorithms and models
- Strong understanding of data‑mining methodologies, statistical analysis, and large‑scale data processing
- Experience developing analytical architectures, data models, and protocols that support trend identification and decision advantage
- Experience with deep learning, neural networks, and advanced ML frameworks
- Knowledge of RF data processing or experience applying ML to signal‑processing problem sets (preferred)
- Proficiency with supporting technologies, including cloud platforms, containerization tools, parallel computing, databases, and Git
- Experience integrating AI/ML capabilities with modeling, simulation, or advanced analytic environments
- Strong understanding of software‑development lifecycles, DevOps practices, algorithm verification, and system integration
- Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders
- Proven ability to self‑manage workload, prioritize tasks, and deliver high‑quality results in a dynamic environment
- Clearance: Must possess and maintain a Top-Secret clearance
Physical Requirements
May require working in an office, industrial, shipboard, or laboratory environment. Capable of climbing ladders and tolerating confined spaces and extreme temperature variances.
The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills.
Meet HII’s Mission Technologies Division
Our team of more than 7,000 professionals worldwide delivers all-domain expertise and advanced technologies in service of mission partners across the globe. Mission Technologies is leading the next evolution of national defense – the data evolution - by accelerating a breadth of national security solutions for government and commercial customers. Our capabilities range from C5ISR, AI and Big Data, cyber operations and synthetic training environments to fleet sustainment, environmental remediation and the largest family of unmanned underwater vehicles in every class. Find the role that’s right for you. Apply today. We look forward to meeting you.
To learn more about Mission Technologies, click here for a short video: https://vimeo.com/732533072
HII is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to build a new future. We offer competitive benefits such as best-in-class medical, dental and vision plan choices; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; Savings Plan Options (401(k)); financial planning tools, life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; as well as early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships. Bonus/other non-recurrent compensation is occasionally offered for qualified positions, and if applicable to this role will be addressed by the recruiter at the screening phase of application.
Why HII
We build the world’s most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. Our workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.
Recognized as one of America’s top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people’s safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you’ll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.