Nakupuna Consulting seeks a Machine Learning Architect for Amazon Web Services (AWS) environment with strong technical expertise in constructing, developing and extending Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) models. This individual will help the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) imagine and scope AI/ML use cases that will create the greatest value for the agency, define paths to navigate technical challenges, develop proof-of-concepts, and make plans for launching solutions at scale. The ML Architect will design models using data from DPAA’s Mission Application Suite – like military personnel case files and excavation site reports – to further identify missing personnel from previous conflicts. The position collaborates closely with customers and mission partners to develop innovative solutions that enhance DPAA’s global efforts to locate, recover, and identify missing personnel through cutting-edge technologies and cross-functional teamwork. The ML Architect will also collaborate with contractors and government IT professionals to accomplish system architecture and sustainment objectives.

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Technical Responsibilities: 

• Collaborate with AI/ML scientists and architects to research, design, develop, and evaluate generative AI solutions addressing real-world challenges.
• Engage directly with customers to understand their business problems and assist in the implementation of generative AI solutions.
• Brief customers and guide them on adoption strategies and production deployment pathways.
• Create and deliver best practice recommendations, tutorials, blog posts, sample code, and presentations tailored to technical, business, and executive audiences.
• Provide customer and market feedback to product and engineering teams to influence product direction and roadmap.
• Implement data pipelines, vectorization methods, and API integrations using Python.
• Utilize AWS AI/ML services such as Amazon SageMaker, Bedrock, and Comprehend for model development, fine-tuning, and orchestration.
• Manage structured and unstructured data using AWS storage and retrieval solutions like Amazon S3, OpenSearch, and Aurora.
• Apply vector database technologies such as FAISS, Pinecone, or OpenSearch vector search for document retrieval and similarity search.
• Integrate LLM APIs and apply prompt engineering techniques to connect retrieval systems with generative models.
• Demonstrate basic DevOps and security awareness on AWS, including IAM roles, networking (VPCs), and data encryption practices.
• Use containerization and orchestration tools such as Docker and AWS Lambda/ECS for scalable RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) pipeline deployment.
• Utilize AWS Lambda to run responses triggered by alerts from integrated services.
• Support security and operations using AWS-native technologies, ensuring compliance with DoD security requirements.
• Evaluate and propose new AWS technologies and modernization paths to enhance operational efficiency and security with AI solutions.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), technical documentation, and reports on system operations.
• Adhere to Agile program best practices such as participation and management of team scrums and sprint plannings.
• Document and track all work using the program approved ticketing system.

Skills/Qualifications: 

• Strong technical expertise in AWS GovCloud and Microsoft Windows Server environments. 
• Excellent technical, organizational, decision-making, and analytical skills. 
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage both technical staff and executive stakeholders. 
• Ability to enforce program best practices (ticketing, documentation, reporting). 
• Familiarity with DoD IT environments, compliance requirements, and cybersecurity standards. 
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic, fast-paced environment and support teams across geographically dispersed locations. 

Education/Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field from an accredited institution, or equivalent years of related work or military experience. 
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience, including systems administration and cloud operations. 
• Experience supporting DoD IT environments preferred. 
• Experience using Agile methodologies and ticketing systems such as JIRA is desirable.

Certification:

• Preferred:
  • Active IAT II Certification which may include CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+), CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), or CompTIA Security+.
  • AWS certification (e.g., AWS Certified AI Practitioner, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, AWS SysOps Administrator Associate, AWS Solutions Architect Associate)
• Nice to have:
  • Agile Methodology related certifications

Clearance Requirements: Must currently have at least a Secret level security clearance. Must be a U.S. citizen.

Work Location:

• Position may be based in either Arlington, VA or Honolulu, HI time-zone.
• Preferred: on-site three (3) days per week. Will consider fewer days on-site for the correct candidate. 
• Occasional travel (1–2 weeks per year) within the Continental U.S. or to Hawaii may be required. 
• This position may require working outside of normal business hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet operational or project demands. 

Physical Requirements: The ideal candidate must at a minimum be able to meet the following physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation: 

• Ability to perform repetitive motions with the hands, wrists, and fingers. 
• Ability to engage in and follow audible communications in emergency situations. 
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk and working on a computer.