AI/ML Developer

Frontline Source Group - Nationwide Staffing & Executive Search; Clarksville (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Leadership opportunities

TS/SCI clearance support

Job summary

Frontline Source Group - Nationwide Staffing & Executive Search is seeking an experienced Machine Learning Engineer to lead development of advanced AI solutions for defense and intelligence missions. You will guide a multidisciplinary team, serve as Scrum Master/Product Owner, and drive ML model design, training, testing, and deployment in secure systems.

The role requires hands-on ML/AI expertise, strong software engineering background, and the ability to translate operational needs into

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, AI, ML, SE, EE, math, or related field.
• 7–10 years in ML/SE with technical leadership.
• Experience as Scrum Master or Product Owner in Agile.
• Hands-on ML with RL, neural networks, DL, or CV.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily technical activities of a multidisciplinary team, including planning and reviews.
• Serve as Scrum Master/Product Owner and manage backlogs and sprint priorities.
• Design, train, test, and evaluate ML models (RL, DL, CV).
• Develop ML pipelines for data prep, training, testing, deployment, and monitoring.
• Integrate ML models into secure software applications and APIs.
• Assess model performance, reliability, and security in real-world deployments.
• Mentor engineers and data scientists, set standards and best practices.
• Collaborate with government stakeholders to translate requirements into solutions.
• Present progress and recommendations to leadership and customers.

Skills

Leadership

Python

MLOps

Deep learning

Reinforcement learning

Computer vision

TS clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

CI/CD

Docker

Kubernetes

APIs

Job description

Machine Learning Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Machine Learning Engineer to lead the development of advanced AI solutions supporting defense and intelligence operations. This position combines hands‑on machine learning engineering with technical leadership, Agile project management, and the delivery of mission‑critical AI capabilities.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in machine learning and software engineering, experience leading technical teams, and the ability to take complex AI solutions from initial concept through development, integration, and operational deployment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the daily technical activities of a multidisciplinary development team, including project planning, task prioritization, technical decisions, code reviews, and deliverables.


• Serve as a Scrum Master and/or Product Owner, managing Agile ceremonies, development backlogs, sprint priorities, and project milestones.


• Design, develop, train, test, and evaluate machine learning models utilizing reinforcement learning, neural networks, deep learning, and computer vision.


• Develop and maintain ML pipelines supporting data preparation, model training, testing, deployment, and performance monitoring.


• Integrate AI/ML models into secure software applications, APIs, and operational systems.


• Evaluate model performance, reliability, security vulnerabilities, and effectiveness in real-world applications.


• Identify technical challenges, manage project risks, and coordinate resources to ensure successful delivery.


• Mentor software engineers and data scientists while establishing development standards and best practices.


• Collaborate with engineering teams, program managers, and government stakeholders to translate operational requirements into technical solutions.


• Present technical findings, development progress, and recommendations to internal leadership and external customers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.


• 7 to 10 years of experience in machine learning and software engineering, including technical team leadership.


• Experience serving as a Scrum Master and/or Product Owner within an Agile development environment.


• Strong hands‑on experience developing machine learning models using reinforcement learning, neural networks, deep learning, or computer vision.


• Experience in at least one of the following areas: cybersecurity, adversarial AI, or communication systems.


• Advanced Python programming skills and experience with machine learning frameworks and scientific computing tools.


• Strong understanding of model training, validation, evaluation, experiment tracking, and ML development practices.


• Experience developing and integrating software applications, APIs, and modular services.


• Knowledge of MLOps, DevSecOps, CI/CD, automated testing, containerization, and deployment processes.


• Ability to manage multiple technical priorities, lead development teams, and deliver solutions within established timelines.


• Excellent communication, problem‑solving, and technical leadership skills.


• Must be able to obtain a Top Secret (TS) security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Top Secret (TS) or TS/SCI security clearance.


• Previous experience supporting Department of Defense or Intelligence Community programs.


• Experience working with the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), National Geospatial‑Intelligence Agency (NGA), or Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).


• Familiarity with Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), system architecture, and digital engineering practices.


• Experience deploying machine learning solutions in cloud, edge, classified, or resource‑constrained environments.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Machine Learning Engineer who enjoys remaining hands‑on technically while leading talented development teams and delivering innovative AI solutions supporting critical defense and intelligence missions.