AI System Engineer (SETA)

VTG Defense; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

VTG Defense in McLean, VA is seeking an AI Technical Advisor / Principal Systems Engineer to lead advanced AI initiatives, evaluate frontier AI models, and guide integration across programs. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in AI/ML, government or large-scale enterprise experience, and a Master’s or PhD in a relevant field.

You will deliver technical briefings and collaborate with cross-functional teams. This role emphasizes technical leadership, research, and evaluating emerging AI

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of post-graduate experience supporting AI, machine learning, or advanced technology initiatives.
• 5+ years of experience supporting government, national security, or large-scale enterprise technical programs.
• In-depth knowledge of frontier AI models, emerging AI architectures and domains, AI research methodologies, deployment of advanced AI models, adversarial or defensive AI techniques, AI model evaluation, or other advanced areas of AI research.
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise for AI and emerging technology initiatives.
• Evaluate frontier AI models, emerging AI capabilities, and evolving technology trends.
• Conduct technical research, analysis, and assessments to support strategic decision-making.
• Support systems engineering, technology integration, and R&D initiatives.
• Develop technical recommendations, reports, and executive-level briefings.
• Collaborate with government, industry, and cross-functional technical teams.

Skills

AI leadership

Technical leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Master's or PhD in CS/CE/EE/AI

Job description

Overview

VTG is looking for an AI Technical Advisor / System Engineer (SETA) in McLean, VA

What will you do?

AI Technical Advisor / Systems Engineer Job Description

We are seeking a highly experienced AI Technical Advisor / Principal Systems Engineer to support advanced artificial intelligence and emerging technology initiatives. The selected candidate will provide technical leadership in evaluating state-of-the-art AI technologies, conducting technical research, supporting systems engineering and integration efforts, and developing innovative solutions to complex technical challenges. The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in one or more advanced AI domains, including frontier AI models, emerging model architectures, AI research, model evaluation, adversarial AI, AI safety, or other leading-edge areas of artificial intelligence.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise for AI and emerging technology initiatives.


• Evaluate frontier AI models, emerging AI capabilities, and evolving technology trends.


• Conduct technical research, analysis, and assessments to support strategic decision-making.


• Support systems engineering, technology integration, and R&D initiatives.


• Develop technical recommendations, reports, and executive-level briefings.


• Collaborate with government, industry, and cross-functional technical teams.

Do you have what it takes?

Required Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, or a related technical discipline.


• 5+ years of post-graduate experience supporting AI, machine learning, or advanced technology initiatives.


• 5+ years of experience supporting government, national security, or large-scale enterprise technical programs.


• In-depth knowledge of one or more of the following: frontier AI models, emerging AI model architectures and domains, AI research organizations and methodologies, application and deployment of advanced AI models, adversarial or defensive AI techniques, AI model evaluation, or other advanced areas of AI research.


• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Desired Qualifications

• 4+ years of commercial experience supporting advanced AI research or technology development.


• 3+ years of project management experience, including proficiency with Microsoft Project.


• Experience supporting systems engineering, systems integration, or R&D prototyping efforts.


• Experience collaborating across multidisciplinary technical organizations and stakeholders.

VTG's estimated starting pay range is $170,000-$250,000 annually, which is a general guideline for the geographic location. When extending an offer, VTG also considers work experience, education, skill level, market considerations and may possibly include contractual requirements which may cause an offer to fall outside of this range.