Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning Developer

Unissant; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology solutions provider in Virginia is seeking an Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Developer to support modernization efforts for the Department of Homeland Security. The role involves developing and deploying AI/ML models, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and requires significant experience in AI technologies. Ideal candidates will possess strong programming skills and familiarity with cloud platforms.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in AI/ML engineering projects.
• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python.
• Experience with machine learning and generative AI frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Develop, train, and deploy advanced AI/ML and Gen-AI models.
• Design and implement AI solutions for business challenges.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate AI solutions.

Skills

AI/ML engineering

MLOps

Python

Generative AI models

Natural language processing

Data exploration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science

Tools

AWS

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Keras

Job description

Unissant, Inc. delivers innovative capabilities to the agencies that keep our nation healthy and safe. We apply our domain expertise, data acumen, and technology know-how to achieve breakthrough results for our clients. Working collaboratively, we advance missions and careers through a focus on honesty, integrity, and dependability. We continuously look for talent excited to join that effort. To learn more about our exciting organization, please visit us at www.unissant.com.

We are seeking an Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Developer to join our team in Ashburn, Virginia to support the ongoing modernization and maintenance systems for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Qualified applicants may be subject to a security investigation and must meet minimum qualifications for access to classified information. This is a highly technical position; individuals will be screened by peers in a technical review of skills and experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Drive a big data approach to execute government requirements to manage and enrich data to gather new insights. As the AI/ML developer, an ideal candidate will be part of a team to provide consultative, architectural, program, and engineering support for a federal customer.

• This is a client-facing position working remote or hybrid, subject to the requirements established by the CBP customer.
• Develop, train, and deploy advanced AI/ML and Gen-AI models.

• Design and implement innovative AI solutions to address complex business challenges using techniques such as natural language processing and large language models.
• Optimize model performance, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.
• Develop and maintain user-friendly AI applications and interfaces, including chatbots, virtual assistants, and generative content tools.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate AI solutions into existing systems and workflows.
• Stay up to date with the latest advancements in AI/ML and emerging technologies, such as generative AI and reinforcement learning.
• Conduct research and experiments to explore new AI techniques and applications, including prompt engineering, Advanced RAGs and fine-tuning LLMs.
• Ensure compliance with data privacy and security regulations, especially when dealing with sensitive data and generative AI outputs.
• This role will be responsible for briefing the benefits and constraints of technology solutions to technology partners, stakeholders, team members, and senior levels of management.

Work Experience and Job Skills:

• 3+ years of experience in the Information Technology field focusing on AI/ML engineering projects, MLOps and DevSecOps and technical architecture specifically.
• Proficiency in developing, deploying, and fine-tuning generative AI models, including large language models (LLMs).
• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, Java and C/C++ (optional)
• Experience with machine learning and generative AI frameworks.
• Experience with natural language processing techniques (e.g., text classification, language generation).
• Solid understanding of any of the cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and deployment strategies.
• Solid understanding of MLOps and DevSecOps practices for deploying AI-ML models and applications
• Proficiency in any front-end development technologies (e.g., React, Angular, Vue.js, HTML, CSS, JavaScript).
• Knowledge of database systems (e.g., SQL, NoSQL, Vector Database, Graph Database) and data warehousing concepts.
• An understanding and competency surrounding data storage, accesses, and loading.
  • Databases: PostgreSQL, NoSQL, Vector Databases, Graph Databases etc.
  • ETL/ELT Concepts
  • Data warehouse concepts
  • SQL
• Competency in data exploration, analytics, and feature engineering. (Python Specific)
  • Pandas / NumPy / Polars / PySpark
  • Plotly / Matplotlib (some form of data visualization)
  • Data encoding / normalizing / regularizing / etc.
• Understanding of Deep learning concepts and architectures like CNNs, RNNs, LSTM, and GANs and ability to apply to real world data sets and problems.
• Proficiency in ML Modeling - Scikit-Learn, Tensorflow, Keras, Pytorch.
• Proficiency in NLP Tools SpaCy, ThinC, Gensim.
• Knowledge of Gen-AI Tools Hugging Face models, OpenAI models, Grok.
• General competency in various ML disciplines like Classification, Forecasting, Transformers, Generative, Anomaly Detection and Deep Learning.
• Enthusiastic, proactive, positive attitude with great listening skills, high integrity, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Adaptability to changing priorities and a willingness to learn and grow are essential.
• Excellent organizational skills, and ability to effectively manage concurrent projects.
• Comprehensive problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to learn, evolve, think creatively and proactively.
• Able to work under pressure (at times) and to be extremely flexible with changing priorities
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting, take ownership of and complete relatively complex tasks, effectively using available resources, as needed, with minimal guidance.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology Management or Engineering is preferred. Alternative work-related experience, Military Duty, and/or specialized or higher education may be substituted.

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations:

• This federal program requires the candidates to be a United States Citizen.
• Must have a current CBP BI clearance or be eligible to obtain one.
• Any related systems engineering, or related technical certifications are desired.
• AWS/Azure/GCP AI/ML certifications are preferred but not required.

Communication Skills:

• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to convey technical information to non-technical individuals.
• Demonstrated experience communicating effectively across internal and external organizations.
• Must work well in a matrixed team environment.

Travel:

• On-site in Ashburn, VA.

Environmental Requirements:

• Mainly sedentary; in an office environment
• May be required to lift up to ten (10) pounds
• Flexible in working extended hours

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Unissant management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, where applicable and available, reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of this position.

Please note: Candidate(s) will be required to go through pre-employment screening.

Unissant, Inc. is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer! (EOE; M/F/Disability/Vets)