AI System Engineer (SETA)

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

Job summary

VT Group (VTG) is seeking an AI Technical Advisor / Principal Systems Engineer (SETA) in McLean, VA to lead advanced AI initiatives and provide technical leadership across government and industry teams. The role focuses on evaluating frontier AI models, conducting in-depth research, and supporting systems engineering and R&D efforts.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD or Master’s in a technical field, 5+ years in AI/advanced tech programs, and strong analytical and communication skills to

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, or related field.
• 5+ years post-graduate AI or advanced tech initiatives experience.
• 5+ years supporting government/national security/large-scale enterprise programs.
• In-depth knowledge of frontier AI models, architectures, AI research, model evaluation, or adversarial/defensive AI techniques.
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for AI and emerging tech initiatives.
• Evaluate frontier AI models, emerging capabilities and tech trends.
• Conduct technical research, analysis, and assessments for strategic decisions.
• Support systems engineering, integration, and R&D efforts.
• Develop technical recommendations, reports, and executive briefings.
• Collaborate with government, industry, and cross-functional teams.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

AI models & research

Education

Master's or PhD in CS/AI

Tools

Microsoft Project

Job description

Overview

VTG is looking for an

McLean, VA

What will you do?

AI Technical Advisor / Systems Engineer

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.