Cleared AI/ML Engineer – National Security (On-Site)

Anser; United States; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ANSER is actively seeking AI/ML engineers, architects, and developers to support national security missions with cutting-edge technologies in a compliance-heavy, high-stakes environment.

Most roles are on-site in the Northern Virginia/Washington, DC area with limited remote options due to the classified nature of the work; active Secret clearance is required for most roles and Top Secret/SCI eligibility is highly desirable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Python

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Scikit-learn

Hugging Face

MLOps

Docker

Kubernetes

Generative models

Agent-based systems

Data wrangling

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in CS/DS/Engineering

Advanced degree (Ph.D., MS) desirable

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Git

Jupyter

Job description

ANSER is actively seeking AI/ML engineers, architects, and developers to support national security missions with cutting-edge technologies in a compliance-heavy, high-stakes environment.

Most roles are on-site in the Northern Virginia/Washington, DC area with limited remote options due to the classified nature of the work; active Secret clearance is required for most roles and Top Secret/SCI eligibility is highly desirable.