AI/ML Engineers and Analysts - Future Consideration

ANSER; Falls Church (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

ANSER is seeking an AI/ML engineer to advance decision support for defense and national security initiatives. You will design, test, and deploy AI/ML models, work with data scientists and SMEs, and ensure governance in secure environments.

You will contribute to generative AI techniques, model explainability, and scalable architectures in air-gapped settings while collaborating across engineering teams and government stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in AI/ML engineering, processes, data or development roles, preferably within DoD, defense, or federal contracting environments.
• Proficiency in Python and common ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, or Hugging Face.
• Experience deploying ML models in air-gapped, on-prem, or classified environments is a strong plus.
• Understanding of responsible AI principles, model governance, and algorithm assurance.

Responsibilities

• Testing, advising and developing guidance and recommendations for AI solutions and ML models.
• Provide risk assessments for mitigation solutions for AI and ML capabilities related to mission critical needs.
• Providing support for the design, training, and deployment of ML models for applications such as predictive analytics, NLP, computer vision, anomaly detection, and decision support.
• Testing and applying generative AI techniques to enhance simulation, content creation, and mission planning within secure domains.
• Exploring and implementing agentic AI capabilities, including autonomous agents that reason, plan, and act within operational constraints to support human decision-makers.
• Building scalable AI/ML architectures that operate effectively within air-gapped or classified environments.
• Collaborating with software developers, data scientists, and mission SMEs to integrate AI/ML solutions into larger operational systems or platforms.

Skills

AI/ML engineering

Python

ML frameworks

Generative models

Problem-solving

Data pipelines

Collaboration

Education

Bachelors or Masters in Computer Science/Data Science/Engineering

PhD or MS desirable

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Scikit-learn

Hugging Face

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Company Overview

ANSER enhances national and homeland security by strengthening public institutions. We provide thought leadership for complex issues through independent analysis, and we deliver practical, useful solutions. ANSER values collaboration, integrity, and initiative and we are client focused in all that we do. Because we were established for the purpose of public service and not for profit, we measure our success in the impact of our service.

About AI/ML Work at ANSER

As part of ANSERs growing AI/ML community, youll be on the forefront of advising and guiding and developing decision support for the deployment and implementation of intelligent systems in support of high-priority defense and national security initiatives. Youll help shape the next generation of decision support, automation, and data-driven capabilities, working alongside analysts, system engineers, and government stakeholders.

Most roles are on-site throughout Northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C. area. Due to the classified nature of the work, remote or hybrid options are typically not available.

Key Responsibilities May Include but are not limited to:

• Testing, advising and developing guidance and recommendations for the AI solutions and ML models.
• Provide risk assessments for mitigation solutions for AI and ML capabilities related to mission critical needs.
• Providing support for the design, training, and deployment of ML models for applications such as predictive analytics, NLP, computer vision, anomaly detection, and decision support.
• Testing and applying generative AI techniques to enhance simulation, content creation, and mission planning within secure domains.
• Exploring and implementing agentic AI capabilities, including autonomous agents that reason, plan, and act within operational constraints to support human decision-makers.
• Building scalable AI/ML architectures that operate effectively within air-gapped or classified environments.
• Working with structured and unstructured data sources to build pipelines for data ingestion, cleansing, feature extraction, and transformation.
• Collaborating with software developers, data scientists, and mission SMEs to integrate AI/ML solutions into larger operational systems or platforms.
• Evaluating emerging technologies and frameworks for potential use in secure or constrained government environments.
• Preparing technical documentation, model explainability reports, and evaluation metrics tailored for non-technical audiences and decision-makers.

Ideal Qualifications:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degrees (Ph.D., M.S.) are highly desirable.
• 3+ years of experience in AI/ML engineering, processes, data or development roles, preferably within DoD, defense, or federal contracting environments.
• Proficiency in Python and common ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, or Hugging Face.
• Experience with generative models (e.g., LLMs, diffusion models) and agent-based architectures or multi-agent systems is highly valued.
• Familiarity with ML ops, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and secure deployment strategies.
• Understanding of responsible AI principles, model governance, and algorithm assurance.
• Experience deploying ML models in air-gapped, on-prem, or classified environments is a strong plus.
• Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and adaptability when working with messy or incomplete real-world data.

Clearance Requirements:

• Active Secret clearance is required for most roles.
• Top Secret or SCI eligibility is highly desirable, and some positions may require a polygraph.

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In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with ANSER, please call 703-416-2000 or e-mail [e-mail]

ANSER is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We seek individuals from a broad variety of backgrounds with varying levels of experience who have a desire to do meaningful work. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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