Data Engineer

Become Part of the Torch.AI Journey 

Torch.AI is a defense focused AI-software company. Unlike traditional government contractors, our team of experts takes calculated risks to self-fund R&D behind the scenes and then sells complete products "off-the-shelf" to mission owners. We conduct deep research into understanding how AI and new data infrastructures can improve a growing array of national defense needs. This allows us to go from ideation to full capability deployment in weeks and months, instead of years. Today, we help improve national security, protect our warfighters, eliminate fraud, reduce risk, and enable better customer experiences. We’re passionate about solving complex problems. Join us in our mission to help organizations Unlock Human Potential.   

The U.S. defense and national security industry offers an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to the safety and well-being of the nation while engaging with cutting-edge technologies. As a vital sector that shapes global stability, it offers a dynamic environment to tackle complex challenges across multidisciplinary domains. With substantial investment in innovation, the industry is at the forefront of developing AI, autonomous systems, and advanced national security solutions, each founded on the premise that information is the new battlefield. If this type of work is of interest, we’d love to hear from you. 

The Role: Unlock Your Potential  

As a Data Engineer at Torch.AI, you will be at the forefront of building scalable data solutions within and across Torch.AI’s platform capabilities. You will design and implement robust data pipelines, systems, and processes to ingest, transform, and store data efficiently, enabling critical insights and operational effectiveness across U.S. defense and national security programs and projects. Each of our customers requires unique technical solutions to remove obstacles such as manual-intensive data analysis and cognitive burden to ensure mission success. Our modular end-to-end data infrastructure platform supports a wide variety of military functions and operations. 

We build enterprise-grade data platforms and solutions to meet the specialized needs of our customers and encourage company-wide collaboration to share context, skills, and expertise across a variety of tools, technologies, and development practices. Our platform enables customer-specific solution teams to rapidly design, configure, and deploy data architectures tailored to meet specific operational and analytical requirements. 

In this role, you’ll work autonomously while driving coordinated, collaborative decisions across cross-functional solutions and product development teams, which include a mix of defense and national security experts, U.S. veterans, and experienced AI/ML, software, and data engineers. Your work will focus on developing efficient data pipelines, managing complex data schemas and ontologies, optimizing data systems for performance, and enabling seamless integration with advanced analytics and AI models in support of data fusion capabilities. You will have the opportunity to harden and scale existing data solutions while also innovating and introducing new methods, features, and capabilities that enhance our data infrastructure and benefit both our company and our customers. 

We’re looking for Data engineers who thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and mission-driven environment. You’ll be encouraged to think creatively, challenge conventional approaches, and identify alternative approaches to delivering customer value across complex problem sets. Your day-to-day workflow will vary, adapting to the requirements of our customer and technical needs of respective use cases. One day, you may be supporting the development of a new proof of capability concept for a new customer program; another you may be refining system performance to help scale a production deployment; the next you may be working directly with customers to understand their requirements with deep intellectual curiosity.  

What Sets This Role Apart  

• Our decentralized operating model puts every employee at the forefront of our customers’ missions. You’ll work within and across small customer-account solutions teams and product development teams.  
• We value customer intimacy, unique perspectives, and dedication to delivering lasting impact and results. You’ll have the opportunity to work on the frontlines of major customer programs and influence lasting success for Torch.AI and your teammates. 
• You’ll have the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, from designing and demonstrating early capabilities and prototypes to deploying large-scale production systems.  
• You’ll directly contribute in helping Torch.AI continue to position as a leader in data infrastructure AI in the market and compete against multi-billion dollar incumbents and high-tech AI companies.  
• We develop solutions directly supporting our nation’s warfighters and national security and prosperity; the impact of your work is directly visible. 

Critical Skills  

• B.S. degree in Computer Science or field or related field.   
• 5+ years of experience in software development/ operations / data experience.  
• Knowledge of RESTful services, JSON parsing and querying.  
• Proven experience with Big Data technologies, including processing and analyzing large-scale datasets.  
• Proficient in NiFi for data integration, flow management, and system interoperability.  
• Basic familiarity with cloud storage and compute services such as AWS S3 and EC2 is essential. 
• Build and improve tools for application development and data science that enable users to build an end-to-end AI application quickly.  
• Collaborate closely with Product Management, User Interaction Designers, and Back-End Engineers. 
• Develop data models and analytics to meet mission requirements.  
• Test service artifacts for accuracy and performance.  
• Pull or receive command and control files.  
• Test services artifacts for correctness and/or performance. 

What We Value  

• Entrepreneurial mindset.  
• Subject matter expertise and proven success within the market segment.  
• Ability to convey complex technical concepts to stakeholders.  
• Aptitude for working collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.  
• Awareness of ethical considerations and responsible AI practices.  
• Capability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.  
• Hands-on experience Python or Java.   
• Understanding of security products focusing on IAM.   
• Knowledge on ETL focusing on mapping.   
• Ability to translate data between various formats including JSON, Parquet, Avro.  
• Knowledge in Spark, Kafka, and Airflow.  
• Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.  
• Eligible for Top Secret security clearance. 

Professional Ambiance  

•   This role thrives in a cutting-edge, high-performance workspace. 
• The base of operations is located in our Leawood, KS hub, with occasional opportunities for a flexible hybrid/remote work arrangement.   

Equity Program  

•  Employee Equity Pool: All employees are eligibility to participate in the company equity incentive program within their first 12 months of employment. We are proud to say that we have a 100% participation rate amongst existing employees.  

Incentives and Advantages 

• Competitive salary, performance bonus, and benefits package.  
• Opportunity to participate in Torch.AI’s employee equity incentive program. 
• Unlimited PTO. 
• 11 paid holidays each year. 
• Dynamic and energetic teammates. 
• Incredible chance for professional advancement in a rapidly scaling high-tech environment. 
• Weekly in-office catering in our Leawood HQ. 
• Access to company entertainment suite at the Kansas City T-Mobile Center, with tickets to all major events and concerts. 
• Exceptional medical, dental, and vision insurance. 
• Company sponsored life and disability coverage. 
• Relocation benefits. 

Torch.AI is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability. 

These positions are being reviewed and filled on a rolling basis, and multiple openings may be available for each role.