AI Engineer - Graduate

Location: Orlando, United States of AmericaThales people architect solutions that enable two-thirds of planes to take off and land safely. We create in-flight entertainment systems that engross 50 million fliers every year and we develop the avionics that control the world’s largest commercial aircrafts. Our simulators train the next generation of pilots for fighter jets, transporters and search and rescue helicopters. And, together, each and every member of our aerospace team makes a difference.When you rely on airlines to connect you in flight, you rely on Thales. In an increasingly fast paced world, we make the unpredictable, predictable by connecting and entertain passengers to make your life better. Combining a diversity of talents, we master the decisive moments that matter to passengers and airlines. Whatever it takes.

AI Engineer - Graduate

Orlando, FL (Hybrid)

Position Summary

Thales is looking for a AI Engineer Graduate to join our engineering team and support the development of applied AI solutions that enhance the inflight passenger experience for millions of travelers worldwide, as well as support internal business and engineering initiatives. You will bring a foundational understanding of AI technologies, cloud platforms, software development practices, and Agile methodologies, along with a strong desire to expand your expertise in AI engineering and intelligent automation solutions.

In this position you will contribute to the design, development, testing, deployment, and support of AI-enabled applications across cloud and edge environments while gaining experience across the software development lifecycle and modern AI technologies. You will research, implement, test, document, deploy, and maintain new and existing solutions.

To succeed, you must demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, accountability, collaboration, and adaptability in a fast-paced engineering environment. You will have opportunities to build your technical expertise, contribute to innovative solutions, and take on increasingly complex assignments as your experience grows.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Contribute to the design, development, testing, deployment, and support of AI-enabled applications and services; develop and maintain AI solutions, including Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) applications, intelligent automation capabilities, agent-based workflows, and orchestration solutions, under the guidance of senior engineering team members.
• Collaborate with engineering, product, platform, and business teams to understand requirements and assist in delivering AI solutions that address operational and customer needs; participate in code reviews, design discussions, sprint planning, and Agile development activities.
• Support implementation of AI security, governance, privacy, and responsible AI practices by following established standards, processes, and technical controls.
• Develop reusable components, tools, and automation capabilities that improve development efficiency, quality, and consistency across AI initiatives; stay current with emerging AI technologies and contribute ideas for continuous improvement and innovation within the engineering team.
• Assist with monitoring, troubleshooting, and performance optimization to support reliable and scalable AI solutions; perform unit, integration, and automated testing to support secure, high-quality software releases.
• Create and maintain technical documentation for AI applications, workflows, deployment processes, and operational support procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related technical field – awarded within the 2 years preceding your application; 0-2 years’ experience in software engineering, cloud development, machine learning, AI engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Working knowledge of applied AI concepts and solution patterns, including Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), agent-based workflows, orchestration frameworks, intelligent automation, and prompt engineering; foundational understanding of modern AI systems, including model evaluation, tool integration, guardrails, observability, and responsible AI principles.
• Proficiency in Python and experience developing modern applications using APIs and web technologies; experience working with cloud platforms, preferably AWS, including familiarity with serverless architectures and AI/ML services.
• Foundational knowledge of Infrastructure as Code (IaC), CI/CD pipelines, DevOps practices, and automated deployment concepts.
• Ability to analyze technical problems, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions; manage assigned work independently while seeking guidance for complex technical challenges.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment; commitment to software engineering best practices, secure coding principles, and continuous learning.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer at the time of hire. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or for assuming sponsorship of an employment visa now or in the future.

If you’re excited about working with Thales, but not meeting the requirements for this position, we encourage you to join our Talent Community!

Special Position Requirements

• Schedule: Core business hours, Monday – Friday, 9/80 shift B.
• Physical Environment: Primarily an R&D Lab environment.

Why Join Us?

Say HI and learn more about working at Thales click here.

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with [a] criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal law, state law, and local ordinances.

Thales champions inclusion and we believe diversity strengthens the fabric of our culture. Thales is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales, please contact us at talentacquisition@us.thalesgroup.com.

The reference Total Target Compensation (TTC) market range for this position, inclusive of annual base salary and the variable compensation target, is between

Total Target Cash (TTC) 86,365.50 - 143,942.50 USD Annual

This reflects how companies in a similar industry and geographic region generally pay for similar jobs. This range helps the Company make pay decisions as one data point among many. Where a position falls within this range is also dependent on other factors including – but not limited to – the employee’s career path history, competencies, skills and performance, as well as the company’s annual salary budget, the customer’s program requirements, and the company’s internal equity. Thales may offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s status protected by local, state, or federal law.

(For Internal candidate, if you need more information, please raise HR request through MyThales)

Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including the following:

•Elective Health, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, Voluntary Life and AD&D, Whole Group Life w/LTC, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Plan, Identity Theft, and Pet Insurance

•Retirement Savings Plan after 30 days of employment with a company contribution and a match, and with no vesting period

•Company paid holidays and Paid Time Off

•Company provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Disability, Employee Assistance Plan, and Well-being Program