AI Architect

Acuity, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Acuity, Inc. is seeking an AI Architect to lead design, development, and implementation of secure, scalable AI/ML solutions for U.S. federal missions. This role requires deep cloud architecture, data governance, and compliance expertise within regulated environments.

You will guide MLOps, ensure compliance with NIST/FedRAMP, and work with cross‑functional government teams to deliver actionable intelligence and automation capabilities.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in software engineering, data engineering, or machine learning.
• 3+ years of experience architecting AI/ML solutions in government or highly regulated environments.
• Strong experience with secure system design and compliance‑driven architecture.
• Proficiency in Python, Java, or similar languages.
• Experience working in Agile and/or DevSecOps environments.

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement AI/ML solutions aligned with federal mission objectives (e.g., defense, intelligence, civilian agencies).
• Design secure AI systems compliant with federal frameworks such as the NIST Risk Management Framework and FedRAMP.
• Lead development of AI solutions in classified, controlled unclassified (CUI), or high‑security environments.
• Integrate AI/ML capabilities into existing enterprise architectures and legacy government systems.
• Define AI governance, model risk management, and responsible AI practices in accordance with federal guidelines.
• Collaborate with program managers, contracting officers, cybersecurity teams, and mission stakeholders.
• Guide cloud‑based AI deployments in GovCloud environments (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government).
• Oversee MLOps pipelines with auditability, traceability, and compliance in mind.
• Ensure data handling aligns with federal data privacy and security regulations.
• Provide technical leadership across cross‑functional contractor and government teams.
• Support proposal development, technical volumes, and solution architecture for new contract bids.

Skills

Python

Java

Agile methodologies

DevSecOps

Zero Trust

MLOps

APIs & microservices

Docker

Kubernetes

TensorFlow

PyTorch

NLP / LLMs

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Databricks

Spark

Hadoop

Docker

Kubernetes

Git

Job description

Overview

Acuity is looking for an AI Architect who will lead the design, development, and implementation of secure, scalable artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions that support U.S. federal agency missions. This role operates within highly regulated environments and requires deep expertise in cloud architecture, data governance, and compliance frameworks. The AI Architect will ensure all solutions meet federal security standards while delivering actionable intelligence and automation capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement AI/ML solutions aligned with federal mission objectives (e.g., defense, intelligence, civilian agencies).
• Design secure AI systems compliant with federal frameworks such as the NIST Risk Management Framework and FedRAMP.
• Lead development of AI solutions in classified, controlled unclassified (CUI), or high‑security environments.
• Integrate AI/ML capabilities into existing enterprise architectures and legacy government systems.
• Define AI governance, model risk management, and responsible AI practices in accordance with federal guidelines.
• Collaborate with program managers, contracting officers, cybersecurity teams, and mission stakeholders.
• Guide cloud‑based AI deployments in GovCloud environments (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government).
• Oversee MLOps pipelines with auditability, traceability, and compliance in mind.
• Ensure data handling aligns with federal data privacy and security regulations.
• Provide technical leadership across cross‑functional contractor and government teams.
• Support proposal development, technical volumes, and solution architecture for new contract bids.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in software engineering, data engineering, or machine learning.
• 3+ years of experience architecting AI/ML solutions in government or highly regulated environments.
• Strong experience with secure system design and compliance‑driven architecture.
• Proficiency in Python, Java, or similar languages.
• Experience working in Agile and/or DevSecOps environments.

Technical Skills

• AI/ML frameworks: TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit‑learn.
• Experience with large language models (LLMs) and generative AI in secure environments.
• Data platforms: Databricks, Spark, Hadoop (with secure configurations).
• MLOps tools with compliance tracking (model versioning, lineage, explainability).
• API and microservices architecture in zero‑trust environments.
• Experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) in secure clusters.
• Knowledge of Zero Trust Architecture and secure data pipelines.

Regulatory & Domain Expertise

• Strong familiarity with:
  • FISMA
  • NIST 800‑53
  • DoD 8570 / 8140
  • FedRAMP Moderate/High baselines
  • Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and classified data handling
  • Authority to Operate (ATO) processes

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting agencies such as the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, or Intelligence Community organizations.
• Experience with contract vehicles (e.g., GWACs, IDIQs) and federal procurement processes.
• Background in mission areas such as cybersecurity, intelligence analysis, or logistics.
• Experience contributing to technical proposals (RFP/RFQ responses).
• Federal & Security Certifications:
  • CompTIA Security+ (often required for DoD roles)
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

Cloud & AI Certifications

• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty (GovCloud experience preferred)
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate (Azure Government)
• Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer

Architecture Certifications

• TOGAF
• AWS/Azure/GCP Solutions Architect certifications

Clearance Requirement

• Active security clearance (Secret or Top Secret; TS/SCI clearance preferred) or eligibility to obtain one.

Acuity is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.