Canopy Aerospace & Defense

Develops thermal protection systems for spacecraft

AI Solutions Architect

AI Application EngineeringConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeIrvine, CA, USA

About the Job

Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen and eligible to obtain or maintain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance if required.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
At least 4 years of professional software engineering or data engineering experience.
At least 2 years of hands-on experience building, deploying, and operationalizing Generative AI or large language model applications.
Deep experience with Google Cloud Platform, Vertex AI, and the Google Gemini API ecosystem.
Proficiency in Python and modern AI frameworks.
Experience with vector databases, such as Vertex Vector Search, Pinecone, Milvus, or pgvector, and enterprise Retrieval-Augmented Generation architecture.
Strong understanding of modern IT infrastructure, including Docker, Kubernetes, Linux, continuous integration and continuous delivery, and Terraform.
Working knowledge of NIST SP 800-171, NIST SP 800-53, and CMMC requirements for handling Controlled Unclassified Information and Federal Contract Information.
Experience implementing secure architectural patterns, including Zero Trust, role-based and attribute-based access control, TLS 1.3, and hardware security module/key management service-managed keys.
Professional working proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English.
Ability to use a computer and common software programs to complete assignments.
Ability to communicate with individuals and groups in person, by phone, and online.
Meet U.S. export-control eligibility requirements as a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual, or person eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations.

Responsibilities

Design, build, and maintain production-ready AI and machine learning applications, Retrieval-Augmented Generation pipelines, and intelligent automation tools for internal business and manufacturing workflows.
Integrate and fine-tune foundation models, specifically Google Gemini Pro and Flash through Vertex AI, and open-source models deployed in private virtual private clouds or enclaves.
Build robust application programming interfaces, microservices, and orchestration that connect AI agents to enterprise information technology systems, including enterprise resource planning, product lifecycle management, manufacturing execution systems, and knowledge repositories.
Design and implement zero-trust, isolated, containerized deployment environments for AI workloads using Kubernetes, FedRAMP-authorized cloud, or on-premises or hybrid infrastructure.
Implement data loss prevention, encryption in transit and at rest, role-based access control, and data sanitization to prevent unauthorized model training on proprietary Controlled Unclassified Information or intellectual property.
Implement safeguards against prompt injection, data exfiltration, model poisoning, and hallucination risks.
Ensure AI architectures and data pipelines comply with CMMC 2.0 Levels 2 and 3, NIST SP 800-171, NIST SP 800-53, and the NIST AI Risk Management Framework.
Collaborate with the Chief Information Security Officer and IT Compliance team to maintain audit trails, system security plans, data lineage documentation, and compliance artifacts for AI systems.
Validate that third-party AI application programming interfaces and infrastructure comply with ITAR, EAR, and FedRAMP High or Moderate requirements.
Partner with IT operations, software engineering, and business units to identify high-impact AI use cases, including predictive maintenance, compliance documentation, drawing parsing, and automated IT helpdesk.
Provide technical guidance, best-practice documentation, and training on safe, authorized internal AI usage.

Desired Qualifications

Prior experience working in the aerospace, defense, or federal government contractor sector.
Familiarity with the NIST AI Risk Management Framework (NIST AI 100-1) and OWASP Top 10 for large language models.
Experience deploying self-hosted, quantized large language models in air-gapped or disconnected environments.

About Canopy Aerospace & Defense

Canopy A&D is built to accelerate the future of advanced materials for space, defense, and maritime systems. Canopy delivers specialized materials and components that carry customers from concept through sustainment. Canopy A&D’s advanced signal attenuation technologies and production-scale manufacturing accelerate the fielding of platforms that are faster, cooler, and quieter. Our adaptive approach ensures solutions evolve at the pace of shifting challenges, keeping our customers ahead of the curve.

Role Overview

The AI Solutions Architect will lead the architecture, implementation, and operationalization of Generative AI and Machine Learning solutions with a strong focus on Google Gemini, Google Cloud / Vertex AI, and private enterprise LLM deployments.

Because we operate in the defense sector, security and compliance are paramount. You will collaborate closely with IT Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, and Compliance Teams to ensure all AI tools and pipelines strictly adhere to CMMC (Level 2+), NIST SP 800-171, NIST AI RMF, and ITAR regulations.

Key Responsibilities

1. AI Architecture & Development

Design, build, and maintain production-ready AI/ML applications, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) pipelines, and intelligent automation tools for internal business and manufacturing workflows.
Integrate and fine-tune foundation models, specificallyGoogle Gemini (Gemini Pro/Flash via Vertex AI) and open-source models deployed in private VPCs/enclaves.
Build robust APIs, microservices, and orchestration connecting AI agents to enterprise IT systems (ERP, PLM, MES, and knowledge repositories).

2. Secure Environment & Enclave Engineering

Design and implement zero-trust, isolated, and containerized deployment environments for AI workloads (Kubernetes, FedRAMP-authorized cloud, or on-prem/hybrid infrastructure).
Implement strict data loss prevention (DLP), encryption in transit/at rest, role-based access control (RBAC), and sanitization to prevent unauthorized model training on proprietary CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information) or IP.
Ensure safeguards against prompt injection, data exfiltration, model poisoning, and hallucination risks.

3. Compliance & Governance

Ensure all AI architectures and data pipelines comply withCMMC 2.0 (Level 2/3), NIST SP 800-171, NIST SP 800-53, and the NIST AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF).
Collaborate with the CISO and IT Compliance team to maintain audit trails, system security plans (SSPs), data lineage documentation, and compliance artifacts for AI systems.
Validate that third-party AI APIs and infrastructure adhere to ITAR, EAR, and FedRAMP High/Moderate requirements.

4. IT Collaboration & Enablement

Partner with IT operations, software engineering, and business units to identify high-impact AI use cases (e.g., predictive maintenance, compliance documentation, drawing parsing, automated IT helpdesk).
Provide technical guidance, best practice documentation, and training on safe, authorized internal AI usage.

Required Qualifications

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen (due to ITAR and export control requirements; eligible to obtain/maintain a U.S. DoD Security Clearance if required).

Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.

Experience:

4+ years of professional software engineering / data engineering experience.

2+ years of hands-on experience building, deploying, and operationalizing Generative AI / LLM applications.

Technical Skills:

Deep experience with Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Vertex AI, and the Google Gemini API ecosystem.

Proficiency in Python and modern AI frameworks

Experience with vector databases (e.g., Vertex Vector Search, Pinecone, Milvus, pgvector) and enterprise RAG architecture.

Strong understanding of modern IT infrastructure (Docker, Kubernetes, Linux, CI/CD, Terraform).

Cybersecurity & Compliance:

Working knowledge of NIST SP 800-171, NIST SP 800-53, and CMMC requirements for handling CUI/FCI.

Experience implementing secure architectural patterns (Zero Trust, RBAC/ABAC, TLS 1.3, HSM/KMS-managed keys).

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience working within the Aerospace, Defense, or Federal Government contractor sector.

Familiarity with the NIST AI Risk Management Framework (NIST AI 100-1) and OWASP Top 10 for LLMs.

Experience deploying self-hosted, quantized LLMs in air-gapped or disconnected environments.

Additional Requirements

Must have professional working proficiency reading, writing, and speaking English.
Ability to use a computer and most common software programs to complete assignments
Ability to communicate with individuals and groups in person, by phone and online

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Management may modify or assign additional duties as needed.

Job Details

Type: Full Time, Exempt

Salary Range: $130,000 to $150,000

Schedule: Core business hours, M-F with additional hours as needed

Base Location: Irvine, CA

Travel: Up to 15%

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Total compensation will also include a comprehensive set of benefits including but not limited to: Company paid employee medical, dental and vision insurance. 401K company match (eligibility required), paid sick leave, paid vacation, paid holidays and discretionary bonuses.

EXPORT CONTROL REQUIREMENTS:

To conform to US Government export regulations, the applicant must be a (i) US Citizen, (ii) lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (aka green card holder), (iii) protected individual as defined by U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or (iv) eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Canopy A&D is an Equal Opportunity Employer, employment with Canopy A&D is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

About the Company

Canopy Aerospace & Defense

Develops thermal protection systems for spacecraft

Canopy Aerospace & Defense develops and produces thermal protection systems for space and hypersonic vehicles. Its products shield spacecraft and reentry capsules from extreme heat by using high-temperature insulating materials and protective barriers designed for reuse and quick turnaround. The company differentiates itself through NASA-backed research, verified real-flight testing, and an emphasis on reusable, cost-efficient solutions for a growing NewSpace market. Its goal is to provide dependable protection that enhances safety, mission success, and overall mission economics for commercial and government space programs.

Company size: 11-50
Company stage: Grant
Total funding: $6.6M
Headquarters: Denver, CO
Founded: 2021

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