AI Lead Software Architect

Darkwolfsolutions; Herndon, Chantilly (VA, VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Darkwolfsolutions is seeking an AI Lead Software Architect to drive cloud data and AI initiatives in Herndon, VA. This role entails building scalable AI applications and optimizing AI search experiences. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in AI architectures, cloud platforms, and leading cross-functional teams.

Join a world-class engineering team dedicated to solving significant challenges in the defense and intelligence communities. Competitive compensation and a chance to make an impact await you!

Qualifications

• 15+ years designing and architecting scalable AI platforms.
• Experience collaborating with business stakeholders for functional requirements.
• Strong expertise in hybrid cloud platforms and their AI services.

Responsibilities

• Drive enterprise cloud data and AI initiatives.
• Architect and build enterprise-grade AI applications.
• Optimize AI search experiences using OpenSearch.

Skills

Python

Spark

OpenSearch

Deep Learning

Machine Learning

AWS

Azure

GCP

Docker

Kubernetes

Education

Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering or related

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Scikit-Learn

Job description

Dark Wolf constructs and deploys data management and analytics solutions for the defense and intelligence communities. We’re proud to boast a world-class engineering team that thrives on rolling up their sleeves to solve your mission’s biggest challenges.

Dark Wolf is seeking a highly motivated and self‑directed professional to fill the role of AI Lead Software Architect to drive enterprise cloud data and AI initiatives. This role will focus on delivering scalable, secure, and high‑performance platforms supporting advanced analytics and AI workloads. Architect and build enterprise‑grade Agentic AI applications that combine LLMs, retrieval, structured data access, search, orchestration, and workflow automation.

Required Qualifications:

• A degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering or related.
• 15+ years – Design and architect scalable AI platforms to develop and deploy AI solutions leveraging ML techniques and Deep Learning Techniques.
• 15+ years – Drive Joint Architecture Design to collaborate with business stakeholders, data scientists, engineering teams, product, and other key partners to gather functional, non‑functional requirements for solving AI use case on the AI Platform.
• 15+ years – Architect and build enterprise‑grade Agentic AI solutions that combine LLMs, retrieval, structured data access, search, orchestration, governance, compliance, and workflow automation.
• Optimize AI search experiences using platforms such as OpenSearch, and vector databases to support high‑relevance, large‑scale enterprise applications.
• Python, Spark, OpenSearch, Iceberg, Lakekeeper, ETL Frameworks experience.

Desired Qualifications:

• Strong expertise in AWS, Azure, or GCP cloud platforms.
• Proven experience in architecting large‑scale data ML/AI solutions.
• Hands‑on implementation and leadership experience, driving AI innovation, software application development, ensuring scalability, performance, and data governance.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with cross‑functional teams and stakeholders. Primary customer liaison with oversight of multiple programs.
• Host and deliver demonstrations, inclusive of building prototypes, as required, supporting a variety of customer‑driven capabilities demonstrations.
• Proven experience as an AI/ML platform architect.
• Deep understanding of ML algorithms, Deep Learning architecture, models, and frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit‑Learn).
• Expertise in hybrid cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure) and their AI services.
• Strong knowledge of Model development life cycle, software engineering principles, data engineering principles.
• Experience with containerization and orchestration tools on‑prem and cloud (e.g., AKS, GKE, OpenShift Container Platform, Docker, Kubernetes) for deploying AI/ML models.
• Ability to design and optimize distributed computing systems for AI/ML workloads.
• Familiarity with DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and automation tools in AI‑ML contexts.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and ability to address complex technical challenges.

Position Clearance Requirement:

TS/SCI with Full‑Scope Polygraph

Location: Chantilly/Herndon, VA.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.