AI/Machine Learning Engineer 2

Columbia Technology Partners, Inc; Annapolis (MD); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

401k with company contribution

PTO + Leave with flexible plans

Career Growth support up to $10k

Job summary

Columbia Technology Partners seeks an AI/ML Engineer to support mission-critical intelligence operations in a fast-paced national security environment. You will capture workflows, design LLM-powered automation, and deliver scalable AI-enabled solutions that meet stringent security standards.

You will collaborate with analysts, operators, and leadership to deploy production-grade Python tools and AI capabilities across secure enterprise environments, ensuring reliability and performance in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 14+ years of experience, including 3+ years in AI/ML, data science, or software within cyber, intelligence, or national security environments.
• Experience capturing operational workflows and translating requirements into automation or executable solutions.
• Experience designing LLM-powered or agentic workflows with orchestration and tool integration.
• Experience integrating AI capabilities with APIs, enterprise data sources, and mission platforms.
• Strong Python development skills and production-ready automation capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Capture and document user workflows, translating needs into automation requirements.
• Design, develop, and implement AI/ML capabilities including LLM-powered workflows and hybrid AI solutions.
• Integrate AI systems with APIs, data sources, and mission platforms.
• Develop and maintain Python-based applications and automation tools.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure reliable deployment and operational effectiveness.
• Ensure solutions comply with security, governance, and performance requirements in classified environments.

Skills

AI/ML engineering

Python development

Workflow automation

API integration

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree + 14+ years experience

Tools

LangChain

PyTorch

LangGraph

PydanticAI

CrewAI

Job description

Description

Columbia Technology Partners is seeking an AI/ML Engineer to support mission‑critical intelligence operations within a fast‑paced national security environment. In this role, you will work directly with mission users to capture complex analytical workflows, identify operational decision points, and develop AI‑enabled solutions that improve efficiency, accessibility, and decision‑making.

The ideal candidate will have experience designing and implementing AI‑driven workflows, integrating large language models (LLMs) into operational processes, and developing solutions that operate effectively within secure enterprise environments. You will collaborate closely with analysts, operators, developers, and mission leadership to deliver scalable capabilities that align with mission requirements and security expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Capture and document user workflows, translating operational needs into automation requirements and executable solutions.
• Design, develop, and implement AI/ML capabilities including LLM‑powered workflows, agentic automation, and hybrid AI solutions.
• Integrate AI systems with APIs, enterprise data sources, and mission platforms.
• Develop and maintain Python‑based applications and automation tools.
• Collaborate with technical and mission stakeholders to ensure reliable deployment and operational effectiveness.
• Ensure solutions comply with security, governance, and performance requirements within classified environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 14+ years of experience, including 3+ years supporting AI/ML, data science, or software engineering initiatives within cyber, intelligence, or national security environments.
• Experience capturing operational workflows and translating requirements into automation, process maps, or executable solutions.
• Experience designing and implementing LLM‑powered or agentic workflows, including orchestration and tool integration.
• Experience integrating AI capabilities with APIs, enterprise data sources, and mission platforms.
• Strong Python development skills and experience building production‑ready applications or automation solutions.

Desired Skills

• Experience engineering and deploying AI capabilities within on‑premises, air‑gapped, or multi‑classification environments.
• Experience with AWS and/or Azure, particularly in restricted or mission‑focused environments.
• Experience with AI development frameworks such as LangChain, LangGraph, PydanticAI, or CrewAI.
• Experience with machine learning frameworks including PyTorch, TensorFlow, vLLM, or llama.cpp.
• Familiarity with cyber intelligence workflows, operational analytics, and mission‑focused data environments; a Master’s degree in a related technical field is a plus.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. CTP is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph.
• Certification Requirements:
  • DOD 8570 Certification
• This position requires an active Security Clearance with appropriate Polygraph.

About us

Founded in 2007, Columbia Technology Partners is a Service‑Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business with a specialization in technology and management consulting committed to solving intricate and sensitive technology issues facing corporations and federal agencies. Since its inception, CTP has been instrumental in the technical design, engineering development, operational deployment, and support of key systems. With a proven track record in information security, project management, systems/network engineering, security risk management, vulnerability assessments, and mobile security implementation; our employees have the experience, expertise, and innovative thinking our customers need for results that exceed expectations. CTP staff have worked closely with both government engineers and management to gather mission requirements, develop the architecture to deliver the needed functionality and assess tools available to meet or exceed the needs of the mission.

At Columbia Technology Partners (CTP), we are united in being the best that we can be as individuals, but our core belief is that we can be better together. Together we will take on each mission with an execution process that authentically represents who we are. Our success relies on our team values, the foundation we built around them, and the Partners we become along the way.

That’s why our pay is competitive, our missions are critical, and our benefits represent what matters most to CTP: Our People.

Salary Range Transparency

At Columbia Technology Partners we are committed to transparency and fairness in our compensation practices. We believe in creating a work environment where employees feel valued, empowered, and rewarded for their contributions.

How We Determine Salary Ranges

Our salary ranges are based on the following key factors:

• Job Role and Responsibilities: The specific duties and responsibilities associated with each role form the foundation of our compensation structure.
• Market Research and Industry Benchmarks: We conduct regular analysis of market trends and salaries across our industry, using reliable compensation data to ensure we stay competitive.
• Experience and Qualifications: An individual's experience, education, certifications, and specialized skills all contribute to determining their position within a salary range.
• Location: Salary ranges may be adjusted based on geographic cost of living, in accordance with local and national standards.
• Company Performance: Our compensation practices also take into account overall company performance and financial health, ensuring that we maintain sustainability while rewarding our team.

Benefits

• Medical: CTP offers 3 superior plans, bringing our employees both in‑network and out‑of‑network options.
• Vision + Dental: Both free to you + paid in full by CTP.
• Retirement: 401k - 6% company contribution
• PTO + Leave: A work life balance is extremely important to our team here at CTP, which is why our paid time off plans are so lucrative. Offering customizable leave plans to meet your needs is just one of our many perks! Jury Duty, Bereavement + Military Leave provided.
• Career Growth: Up to $10,000 provided for approved career‑related learning, training, education, and/or tuition.
• Life and AD&D Insurance/Short‑Term & Long‑Term Disability: More peace of mind, at zero cost to you.
• Profit Sharing Bonus: End of year cash gets added to your bottom‑line.
• Referral Bonus Program: Our tiered program provides an incentive with each stage of the hiring process your referral passes. Our bonuses range from $7,000-$20,000, if your referral joins the team.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CTP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law. Our EEO policy reflects our commitment to ensure equality and promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Our policy applies to all employees, job candidates, contractors, stakeholders, partners, and visitors.

Accolades

CTP was voted one of the top 25 best places to work in Baltimore by Baltimore Magazine!