AI/ML Developer

Frontline Source Group Holdings, LLC dba dfwHR; Clarksville (MD); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

dfwHR seeks an experienced Machine Learning Engineer to lead the development of advanced AI for defense and intelligence, combining hands‑on ML with technical leadership and Agile project management. The role requires taking AI solutions from concept through deployment, working across teams and stakeholders.

The ideal candidate has 7–10 years in ML and software engineering, strong Python and ML framework skills, and the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, AI, ML, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related field.
• 7–10 years of experience in machine learning and software engineering with technical team leadership.
• Experience as Scrum Master and/or Product Owner in Agile environments.
• Strong hands-on ML with reinforcement learning, neural networks, deep learning, or computer vision.
• Experience in cybersecurity, adversarial AI, or communications systems is a plus.
• Advanced Python and ML frameworks; knowledge of model training, evaluation, tracking, and ML development practices.
• Familiarity with ML deployment, CI/CD, DevSecOps, containers, and secure software practices.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead teams to deliver on timelines.
• Clear communication and leadership; able to interact with government stakeholders and leadership.
• Eligibility to obtain a Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily technical activities of a multidisciplinary team, plan tasks, and manage backlogs and milestones.
• Serve as Scrum Master and/or Product Owner, guiding Agile ceremonies and priorities.
• Develop, train, test, and evaluate ML models using RL, neural nets, deep learning, and CV.
• Build ML pipelines for data prep, training, testing, deployment, and monitoring.
• Integrate ML models into secure software applications, APIs, and operating systems.
• Assess model performance, reliability, security, and real‑world effectiveness.
• Mentor engineers and data scientists to raise standards and best practices.
• Collaborate with government stakeholders to translate requirements into technical solutions.
• Present findings and progress to leadership and external customers.

Skills

Machine Learning

Software Engineering

Technical Leadership

Agile/Scrum

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS / related field

Tools

Python

ML Frameworks

CI/CD

Containerization

ML Ops

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.