AI/ML Engineer (sign-on bonus eligible)

MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 242,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Mental health resources

Student loan repayment assistance

Adoption reimbursement

Pet insurance

Job summary

Vantor in McLean, VA is seeking an experienced AI/ML Engineer to design and implement AI-enabled applications with agent-based workflows and LLM integration. You will develop REST APIs, support data processing, and ensure scalable enterprise deployments in a security-cleared environment.

The role requires TS/SCI clearance, on-site work, and strong Python expertise with AI libraries. Docker/Kubernetes, PostgreSQL, and cloud experience are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field.
• Active/current TS/SCI with required polygraph.
• Willingness to work onsite full time.
• Proficiency in Python and common data/AI libraries.
• Experience developing AI/ML applications with LLM integration and RAG workflows.
• Experience with REST APIs to retrieve or exchange data.
• Familiarity with production-ready development practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop AI/ML-enabled applications with agent-based workflows and LLM integration.
• Design architecture for agent-based applications and tool use.
• Implement and maintain RAG pipelines and data processing workflows.
• Integrate LLMs via APIs and AI frameworks.
• Develop Python-based REST APIs to support data retrieval and system integration.
• Contribute to full-stack development of production-ready AI applications.
• Optimize data processing and schema design for performance.

Skills

Python

LLM integration

REST APIs

AI/ML frameworks

Agent-based programming

Memory management

Data processing

PostgreSQL

Docker

AWS

Vector databases

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field

Tools

FastAPI

Docker

Kubernetes

PostgreSQL

Git

Job description

Vantor is forging the new frontier of spatial intelligence, helping decision makers and operators navigate what’s happening now and shape what’s coming next. Vantor is a place for problem solvers, changemakers, and go-getters—where people are working together to help our customers see the world differently, and in doing so, be seen differently.

Come be part of a mission, not just a job, where you can: Shape your own future, build the next big thing, and change the world.

To be eligible for this position, you must be a U.S. Citizen. This position requires an active U.S. Government security clearance, applicants who do not currently hold the required clearance will not be eligible for consideration. Employment for cleared roles is contingent upon verification of clearance status. Export Control/ITAR: Certain roles may be subject to U.S. export control laws, requiring U.S. person status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). Please review the job details below.

This position requires an active U.S. Government Security Clearance at the TS/SCI level with required polygraph. Eligible for up to $15k sign‑on bonus!

Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and maintain AI/ML-enabled applications with a focus on agent-based workflows, LLM integration, and retrieval-augmented generation capabilities.
• Design and support agent-based application architectures, including orchestration logic, tool use, memory management, and integration with external systems.
• Implement and maintain RAG pipelines, including document processing, embedding generation, retrieval configuration, prompt assembly, and response optimization.
• Integrate LLMs into applications using available APIs, AI frameworks, and emerging protocols such as MCP.
• Develop and maintain REST APIs, particularly Python-based services, to support data retrieval, system integration, agent workflows, and application functionality.
• Support full-stack development of production-ready AI applications, including backend services, user-facing components, and enterprise deployment considerations.
• Process, transform, and organize structured and unstructured data to support AI/ML workflows, model interaction, and application performance.
• Design or refine Postgres schemas and data models to improve data organization, query performance, and application scalability.
• Optimize AI-enabled applications for performance, reliability, usability, and maintainability in enterprise environments.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related area of study.
• Senior Labor Category: Minimum 8 years of experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 7 years of experience with a Master’s degree; or 6 years of experience with a Doctorate.
• Active/current TS/SCI with required polygraph.
• Willingness to work onsite full time.
• US citizenship required.
• Proficiency in Python and common data/AI libraries.
• Experience developing AI/ML applications, including LLM-integrated applications, RAG workflows, or similar retrieval-based capabilities.
• Experience with agent-based programming concepts, AI frameworks, and tool-based LLM application development.
• Strong understanding of AI/ML foundational concepts, including transformers, algorithms, LLM behavior, data processing, and model integration patterns.
• Experience designing, developing, or integrating REST APIs to retrieve, process, or exchange data across systems.
• Familiarity with production-ready application development practices, including reliability, maintainability, testing, and deployment considerations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with MCP or similar protocols for connecting AI agents to tools, data sources, and enterprise systems.
• Experience developing full-stack agent-based applications, including frontend interfaces, backend services, orchestration layers, and enterprise deployment patterns.
• Experience with Python REST API frameworks such as FastAPI or Flask.
• Experience implementing or optimizing LLM memory management approaches, including conversational memory, session state, context management, and retrieval-based memory.
• Experience with agent-based application optimization techniques, including prompt/tool orchestration, latency reduction, context window management, evaluation, observability, and cost/performance tuning.
• Experience working with vector databases, embedding models, semantic search, and retrieval configuration.
• Experience with Docker containers and containerized development environments.
• Experience with AWS or other cloud environments.
• Experience with Postgres, data transformation, structured/unstructured data processing, and schema refinement.

Pay Transparency:

To support pay transparency, Vantor includes salary ranges in all U.S. job postings. Starting pay for this role will fall within the listed range and will be based on factors such as experience, qualifications, skills, location, and market conditions. Candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the role should not expect to receive compensation at the top of the range. The listed range reflects the expected pay for this position, and final offers will be determined based on each candidate’s experience, expertise, and alignment with the role.

• $165,000.00 - $220,000.00 - $242,000.00 annually.

Vantor offers a competitive total rewards package that goes beyond the standard, including a robust 401(k) with company match, mental health resources, and unique perks like student loan repayment assistance, adoption reimbursement and pet insurance to support all aspects of your life. You can find more information on our benefits at: https://www.Vantor.com/careers

Vantor is forging the new frontier of spatial intelligence, helping decision makers and operators navigate what’s happening now and shape what’s coming next.

Vantor is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. We believe in fostering an environment where all team members feel respected, valued, and encouraged to share their ideas. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Vantor is forging the new frontier of spatial intelligence, helping decision makers and operators navigate what’s happening now and shape what’s coming next. Vantor is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. We believe in fostering an environment where all team members feel respected, valued, and encouraged to share their ideas. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We also provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities in compliance with federal and state laws.