AI Machine Learning Developer Principal

Saic; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC in Arlington, VA seeks AI/ML Developers to join the Solutions and Technology Group, reporting to the Intel Space CTO. This hybrid role supports multiple IC programs, designing rapid PoCs and deploying secure AI/ML solutions.

Ideal candidates are U.S. Citizens with TS/SCI clearance, skilled in Python, ML frameworks, and modern software practices, working across programs to deliver impactful demos and docs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS, Data Science, Engineering, or related field; 9+ years of experience or Master's with 7+ years.
• Candidates must be U.S. Citizens.
• Active TS/SCI clearance or ability to upgrade from TS.
• Proficiency in Python and software engineering practices (Git, unit testing, clean code).
• Hands-on ML model development with PyTorch or TensorFlow; handling structured/unstructured data.

Responsibilities

• Rapidly design, build, and deploy high-fidelity AI/ML prototypes for IC mission needs (GenAI/LLMs, NLP, CV, analytics).
• Secure deployment to multi-tenant cloud environments and air-gapped networks; CI/CD pipelines; containerization.
• Coordinate cross-program work and manage overlapping milestones with PMs.
• Conduct live demos and maintain clean codebases and architectural docs.

Skills

Python

Git

Unit testing

Clean code

PyTorch

TensorFlow

MLOps

Kubeflow

MLflow

Airflow

Streamlit

Gradio

TS/SCI clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Data Science/Engineering

Master's degree in CS/Engineering

Tools

Git

Docker

Kubernetes

TensorRT/ Triton

AWS C2S

Azure Government

Job description

Description

We are seeking to build a team of AI/ML Developers to join our Solutions and Technology Group, reporting to the Intel Space CTO. In this matrixed role, you will lead the creation, prototyping, and operationalization of cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) Proof of Concepts (PoCs) specifically tailored for Intelligence Community (IC) mission use cases.

This is a dynamic, high-impact set of positions supporting multiple programs. You will operate as a shared technical subject matter expert, balancing intermixed timelines, competing program priorities, and evolving delivery expectations. The ideal candidates excels at rapid prototyping, taking complex concepts and turning them into functional demonstrations. This is a hybrid opportunity and are open to candidates in Chantilly or NOVA. Candidates must have an active TS/SCI clearance.

1. Rapid PoC & Demo Prototyping (40%)

• Design & Build: Rapidly design, build, and deploy high-fidelity, visual AI/ML prototypes (GenAI/LLMs, NLP, computer vision, predictive analytics) to address complex IC mission needs. The PoCs can be either on the unclassified side or on-prem in a SCIF.
• Mission Alignment: Collaborate with program leads and stakeholders to align prototypes with real-world user workflows and emerging technical requirements.

2. Operationalization & MLOps Integration (30%)

• Secure Deployment: Transition sandboxed PoCs into secure, multi-tenant cloud environments (AWS C2S, Azure Secret) and air-gapped networks.
• Pipeline Engineering: Build automated CI/CD pipelines, containerize applications, and ensure compliance with federal software assurance and security standards.

3. Matrixed Program Support & Timeline Management (20%)

• Cross-Program Execution: Successfully divide technical execution across multiple active programs with distinct, overlapping deliverable timelines.
• Priority Coordination: Proactively negotiate schedules with multiple Project Managers to ensure all high-priority milestones are met.

4. Technical Communication & Stakeholder Engagement (10%)

• Demos & Docs: Conduct compelling live technical demonstrations for senior IC customers and maintain clean, reusable codebases and architectural documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related technical discipline with 9+ years of relevant experience; OR Master’s degree with 7 years of relevant experience.
• Candidates must be U.S. Citizens
• Clearance: Active TS/SCI (or ability to immediately upgrade from TS if SCI was held within the last 3 years).
• Programming Skills: Proficiency in Python and software engineering practices (version control with Git, unit testing, clean code architectures)
• Foundational AI/ML Frameworks: Hands-on experience developing ML models using frameworks like PyTorch or TensorFlow, and handling structured/unstructured data.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience deploying AI/ML models in secure, multi-tenant cloud environments (e.g., AWS C2S / SC2S, Azure Government) or air-gapped networks.
• Familiarity with MLOps and orchestration platforms (e.g., MLflow, Kubeflow, Apache Airflow, Triton Inference Server).
• Experience using lightweight frontend tools (e.g., Streamlit, Gradio) to build functional, interactive user interfaces for demonstrations.
• Familiarity with IC missions

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.