AI Solutions Architect

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, specifically Google 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 with CMMC 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

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• 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

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• 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.