AI/ML Engineer (Mid-Level)

Leawood, KS

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.

Responsibilities

  • Design and implement end-to-end ML pipelines for tasks like classification, entity resolution, or semantic search.
  • Develop production-ready code and maintain high engineering standards (documentation, testing, versioning).
  • Collaborate with data engineers and backend teams to integrate ML workflows into scalable systems.
  • Implement training, tuning, deployment, monitoring, and versioning as part of an MLOps workflow.
  • Build or enhance RAG components, including embedding workflows and vector search integration.
  • Develop proof-of-concepts and production ML services using modern ML/NLP libraries (Transformers, spaCy, scikit-learn).
  • Participate in architecture discussions and propose solutions aligned with product and platform needs.
  • Explore and prototype multi-agent or tool-use architectures when applicable (optional, not core ownership).

What We Value 

  • B.S. or M.S. in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
  • 3–6 years of experience building ML systems or NLP applications.
  • Strong Python development skills; ability to write production-quality modules and services.
  • Hands-on experience training, tuning, evaluating, and deploying ML models.
  • Experience working with LLMs, embeddings, or vector search frameworks.
  • Experience with ML/NLP libraries such as Transformers, spaCy, or scikit-learn.
  • Working knowledge of cloud services, data storage systems, and CI/CD workflows.
  • Ability to collaborate across functions and communicate technical work clearly.
  • Familiarity with DevOps or infrastructure-as-code is a plus, not required.
  • Familiarity with MLOps tooling (MLflow, DVC, Kubeflow, SageMaker) is a plus, not required.
  • Experience in defense or government-related sectors is a plus, not required.

Security Clearance

Some roles require an active SecretTop 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.

JOB CODE: 1000105