---
title: 'AI/ML Engineer at NODA AI'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/ai-ml-engineer-noda-ai-austin-8t5tgsm8v42c'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-10-29'
---

# AI/ML Engineer at NODA AI

- **Company:** NODA AI
- **Location:** Austin, TX
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** hybrid
- **Posted:** 2026-10-20
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-29
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/noda-ai/762b29b8-17cc-4a3c-b040-02b297b680dc/application

**Skills:** Python, PyTorch, Transformers, LangChain, Model Quantization, Edge Computing, ROS 2, Prompt Engineering, MLOps, Constraint Solving, Planning Algorithms, Multi-agent coordination frameworks, Sensor Fusion, Reinforcement Learning, Secure Coding Practices, Adversarial Robustness, Embedded Hardware Deployment, Simulation-in-loop Testing, Feature Engineering

> Design and implement intelligent agents for autonomous mission planning across multi-domain unmanned systems. Focus on LLM orchestration, edge deployment, and integration with ROS autonomy stacks in a hybrid role based in Austin.

## Job description

AI/ML Engineer – NODA AI Location: Austin, TX (Hybrid on-site, with up to 20% travel) Clearance Requirement: U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain a security clearance

## About NODA

NODA is a veteran-owned, venture-backed technology company that is transforming how unmanned systems collaborate in complex, mission-critical environments. We are developing next-generation solutions that enable the autonomous orchestration of heterogeneous unmanned systems across air, sea, land, and space with vital applications in the defense, intelligence, and commercial sectors. Our AI/ML Engineers are at the cutting edge of autonomous intelligence, designing and implementing AI agents that seamlessly bridge mission intent with real-world execution through advanced reasoning frameworks and multi-domain orchestration capabilities. Joining NODA means working on meaningful technology that pushes the boundaries of autonomy alongside a team that thrives on innovation, rapid iteration, and collaboration.

## The Role

We are seeking an AI/ML Engineer to design and implement intelligent agents that drive adaptive mission planning and orchestration across multi-domain unmanned systems. This role focuses on LLM orchestration frameworks, agent reasoning systems, and the deployment of AI models to edge computing environments on autonomous vehicles. You will build systems that translate high-level mission intent into actionable autonomous behaviors, dynamically adapt plans as environments change, and provide explainable reasoning to human operators. Your work will integrate directly with our ROS autonomy stack while ensuring reliable AI performance on resource-constrained edge hardware.

## Key Responsibilities

- Design and implement LLM orchestration frameworks for mission planning and task decomposition across heterogeneous vehicle fleets
- Develop agent reasoning systems that bridge high-level mission objectives with executable autonomy commands
- Optimize large and quantize language models and agent frameworks for deployment on edge computing hardware (Jetson, companion computers)
- Manage the full lifecycle of AI agents including model versioning, prompt engineering, tool integration, and memory management
- Implement human-in-the-loop workflows that provide transparent, explainable AI reasoning to operators
- Integrate AI reasoning outputs with autonomy middleware (e.g., ROS 2) to enable seamless mission execution across heterogeneous
- Build evaluation, monitoring, and logging systems to track agent performance, reliability, and cost in operational environments
- Develop safe deployment and rollback practices for AI agents in mission-critical scenarios
- Collaborate with autonomy engineers to ensure AI-generated plans are executable and safe across multi-domain platforms
- Validate agent behaviors through simulation-in-loop testing before field deployment
- Design AI systems that maintain effectiveness in denied, degraded, and contested communication environments

Required Qualifications

- 3+ years of experience in production AI/ML applications with emphasis on LLM deployment and orchestration
- Proficiency in Python and modern AI/ML frameworks (PyTorch, Transformers, LangChain, or equivalent orchestration tools)
- Experience with model optimization, quantization, and deployment to edge computing environments
- Understanding of distributed systems and real-time AI inference requirements
- Familiarity with MLOps practices, including model versioning, monitoring, and lifecycle management
- Knowledge of prompt engineering, agent framework design, and multi-step reasoning systems
- Experience with constraint solving, planning algorithms, or symbolic reasoning approaches
- Due to the nature of the position, U.S. citizenship is required due to ITAR regulations, along with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

## Preferred Qualifications

- Experience with multi-agent coordination frameworks and distributed AI reasoning systems
- Background in robotics or autonomous systems integration (ROS2ROS 2, navigation stacks, sensor fusion)
- Familiarity with reinforcement learning for planning and decision-making applications. Understanding; understanding of secure coding practices and adversarial robustness in AI-driven systems.
- Experience deploying AI models to embedded hardware (Jetson, Raspberry Pi, or similar edge devices)
- Exposure to simulation-in-loop and hardware-in-loop testing environments
- Knowledge of autonomous vehicle domains (UAVs, USVs, UUVs) and associated protocols
- Background in structured data preparation and feature engineering for AI ingestion
- Contributions to open-source AI or robotics projects
- Experience contributing to mission assurance and safety cases, including field-readiness reviews
- Experience collaborating with security and compliance teams on logging, auditability, and data-handling requirements for fielded AI systems

## Skills and Attributes

- Systems thinker able to connect AI reasoning outputs with real-world autonomous execution
- Fast learner with adaptability to rapidly evolving AI/ML frameworks and methodologies
- Safety-focused mindset with commitment to explainable, reliable AI in mission-critical environments
- Thrives in ambiguous, mission-driven problem spaces requiring creative AI solutions
- Collaborative team player comfortable working across AI, autonomy, and field operations disciplines
- Detail-oriented approach to AI system validation, testing, and performance optimization Systems thinker able to connect AI reasoning outputs with real-world autonomous execution
- Fast learner with adaptability to rapidly evolving AI/ML frameworks and methodologies
- Safety-focused mindset with commitment to explainable, reliable AI in mission-critical environments
- Thrives in ambiguous, mission-driven problem spaces requiring creative AI solutions
- Collaborative team player comfortable working across AI, autonomy, and field operations disciplines
- Detail-oriented approach to AI system validation, testing, and performance optimization

## Benefits & Perks

Our culture fosters collaboration, respect, and trust, empowering passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth. In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:

- We offer premium medical, dental, and vision coverage with zero paycheck premiums for you and your family
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals + Company match
- Equity grants for new hires
- Unlimited PTO
- 11 Paid holidays
- Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November, & December.
- Generous Parental Leave
- Military Leave for annual training or service requirements
- FSA
- DCFSA
- HSA
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Access to [One Medical](https://www.onemedical.com/)
- Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.

Growth Path at NODA AI/ML Engineer → Senior AI/ML Engineer → Staff AI/ML Engineer → Principal Engineer. Final leveling will be determined at the offer stage based on scope demonstrated in interviews, prior impact, and calibration to NODA’s career ladder.

Export Control Compliance

To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.

## Equal Opportunity Statement

NODA AI is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace and to maintaining equitable employment and hiring practices. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

As a federal contractor, NODA AI complies with all applicable equal employment opportunity and affirmative action requirements, including Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA), as amended. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities throughout the recruiting, hiring, and employment process.

Consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with applicable fair chance and ban-the-box laws, including the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance where applicable. We actively encourage qualified individuals of all backgrounds, including women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities, to apply.

NODA AI is committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and accessible work environment for all applicants and employees. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at careers@NodaIntelligence.ai or contact your recruiter so we can provide the support you need.

## About NODA AI

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: NODA AI builds a vendor-agnostic, AI-powered orchestration platform that enables autonomous systems from different manufacturers to coordinate as a cohesive force.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Series A)
- **Headquarters**: Austin, Texas, United States
- **Founded**: 2024
- **Founders**: Philong Duong (CEO, Co-Founder)

## Core Business
- Primary industry: Defense Technology / Autonomous Systems / AI Software
- Target customers: Government defense departments (Department of War, UK Ministry of Defence), Intelligence Community, and defense primes (Booz Allen Hamilton, Huntington Ingalls Industries)
- Mission or purpose statement: "Decision Dominance through Horizontally-Integrated Effects" — enabling operators to manage desired mission effects rather than individual systems.

## Products & Services
- **URZA Orchestration Core**: The platform's central reasoning engine that adaptively manages tasks, sequences, and coordination of systems to meet an end-state. It is hardware-agnostic and integrates with over 30+ OEM vehicles and control systems from subsurface to space.
- **LARIA (Weapons & Tactics School for Autonomy)**: A synthetic environment that fuses multiple domain-specific simulators for testing, training, and deploying adaptive autonomy at scale. It includes digital twins, behavioral inference, and geospatial data.
- **The Tactical Playbook**: A library of tested and certified tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) that can be deployed across mixed-OEM fleets. This includes specific "plays" like coordinated jamming patterns, persistent surveillance, and short-range air defense engagement.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation**: Not disclosed
- **Total Funding**: $28 million (Seed: $3M in 2023, Series A: $25M in February 2026)
- **Key Metric**: Annual Revenue not publicly available; total funding of $28M
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Bessemer Venture Partners (lead, Series A), Booz Allen Ventures, Draper Associates, Bloomberg Beta, Alumni Ventures. Partners include Booz Allen Hamilton and Huntington Ingalls Industries.
- **Growth Signals**: Headcount grew 411.1% year-over-year to 27 employees. Selected over large incumbents for key defense programs. Has 20 active job postings (a 566.7% quarterly increase). Expanded presence to the UAE and UK.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Platform Agnosticism**: NODA does not build hardware and does not require vendors to change their products. This allows integration with any OEM's vehicles and systems, preventing vendor lock-in.
- **Deep Defense Focus**: They claim the "world's deepest defense-focused algorithm repository" for autonomous coordination, built by veterans, scientists, and AI practitioners from NASA, MIT, DARPA, and GTRI.
- **First-Mover in a New Category**: They are pioneering the "algorithmic warfare" market category — the "brains" (orchestrator) rather than the "chess pieces" (vehicles).
- **Strong Government Endorsement**: Selected by the Department of War to lead the orchestration layer for multi-domain collaborative autonomy programs, with direct support from the Secretary of War's priorities.

## Strategic Focus
- Accelerate delivery on key milestones for the Department of War and UK Ministry of Defence customers.
- Deepen integration across its existing 30+ platform ecosystem.
- Extend technical capabilities into new defense and intelligence markets.
- Develop and distribute codified tactics, techniques, and procedures for autonomous warfare.

## Why Work Here
- **High-Impact Mission**: The company is directly involved in national security, building the "reasoning engine of the autonomous force." The work is described as solving "seemingly impossible problems against all odds."
- **Rapid Growth**: The company is in a hyper-growth phase (411% headcount growth YoY, 566% increase in job postings), offering significant career acceleration and ownership opportunities.
- **Culture**: Founded by Global War on Terrorism veterans, the company values "Country First," "Technical Excellence," and "Collaborative Systems." They explicitly state they embrace diverse skillsets and are looking for exceptional teammates from all backgrounds.
- **Work Policy**: Not explicitly stated, but the company has a physical headquarters in Austin, TX, with a presence in the UAE and UK. Roles include "Forward-Deployed Solution Engineer" positions, suggesting some roles require on-site or field work.
- **Notable Perks/Engineering Culture**: The team is heavily technical (30% of staff in technical roles) and hails from top-tier organizations (C3 AI, Amazon, NASA, MIT, DARPA). The engineering challenge is novel and at the cutting edge of AI and defense.

## Sources
1. [nodaintelligence.ai](https://www.nodaintelligence.ai/)
2. [nodaintelligence.ai/about](https://www.nodaintelligence.ai/about)
3. [prnewswire.com](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/noda-ai-raises-25-million-in-series-a-led-by-bessemer-venture-partners-to-accelerate-development-of-ai-powered-orchestration-platform-and-autonomous-plays-for-department-of-war-dow-and-intelligence-community-302698392.html)
4. [nodaintelligence.ai/solutions](https://www.nodaintelligence.ai/solutions)
5. [linkedin.com/company/noda-ai](https://www.linkedin.com/company/noda-ai)

## Other roles at NODA AI

- [Senior Multidisciplinary Engineer – Recon Works](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-multidisciplinary-engineer-recon-works-noda-ai-washington-3mpgpj7ddpvr) — Washington, DC
- [Facilities Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/facilities-manager-noda-ai-austin-jrjp38820jkw) — Austin, TX
- [Mission Analyst (Operations Research / M&S) – Recon Works](https://feeny.ai/job/mission-analyst-operations-research-m-s-recon-works-noda-ai-washington-mwt34tpxqn6m) — Washington, DC
- [Hardware Integration Engineer - Recon Works](https://feeny.ai/job/hardware-integration-engineer-recon-works-noda-ai-washington-w0wnky49t15h) — Washington, DC
- [Technical Program Manager – Recon Works](https://feeny.ai/job/technical-program-manager-recon-works-noda-ai-washington-6j900qw2gxtx) — Washington, DC
- [Tactical Communications and Field Systems Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/tactical-communications-and-field-systems-engineer-noda-ai-austin-r949q3vr6ryn) — Austin, TX
- [Senior Business Development Director, DoD](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-business-development-director-dod-noda-ai-washington-avxr7hpd7qqd) — Washington, DC
- [Senior Solution Engineer / Solution Architect](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-solution-engineer-solution-architect-noda-ai-austin-tbhm86j5rwe0) — Austin, TX
- [Mission Lead](https://feeny.ai/job/mission-lead-noda-ai-austin-r6sk6y2vvqv7) — Austin, TX
- [Product Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/product-manager-noda-ai-austin-4bfqzv6msyn2) — Austin, TX