Lead Delivery Engineer

iO Associates; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

iO Associates is seeking a Lead Delivery Engineer for a defence-focused project, requiring on-site presence at a secure facility and a current U.S. Secret clearance with potential TS/SCI upgrade.

The role emphasizes delivering complex AI-enabled data systems and ensuring high-assurance software in mission-critical environments. Responsibilities include leading technical planning, building secure data lifecycles, and coordinating with Product, DevOps, QA, and Customer Success to meet milestones.

Qualifications

• U.S. Secret security clearance required, with willingness to upgrade to TS/SCI
• Permanent onsite work at a secure facility, up to five days/week
• Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related discipline, or 5+ years of practical software development
• Proven experience deploying production-grade AI and agentic systems with strong software fundamentals
• Strong full-stack development, DevSecOps practices, and experience with Docker, Kubernetes, and Git

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical planning and execution of project deliverables aligned with strategic goals
• Design and develop secure, scalable applications managing end-to-end data lifecycles from acquisition to inference
• Optimize application performance to meet stringent response times and operational demands
• Create dynamic visualisation dashboards on the Virtualitics AI Platform to simplify complex data insights
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Product, Customer Success, DevOps, and QA to meet milestones
• Oversee risk mitigation, remove bottlenecks, and ensure timely delivery of all project phases
• Serve as the primary escalation point to resolve technical challenges swiftly and efficiently

Skills

Security clearance

Onsite work

Full stack development

DevSecOps

Python

AI systems deployment

Docker

Kubernetes

Git

Data processing libs

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Software Engineering

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Git

PyTorch

Pandas

NumPy

scikit-learn

Job description

Join Our Client as a Lead Delivery Engineer - Clearances & On-Site Presence Required

Are you an experienced engineering professional with a passion for delivering complex, high-stakes projects within the defence sector? Our Client, a leading defence technology organisation, is seeking a highly skilled Lead Delivery Engineer to shape and optimise their cutting-edge solutions. This role offers the chance to work on mission-critical systems that enhance military readiness and global security.

Why Work Here?

Our Client operates at the forefront of defence innovation, specialising in AI-native intelligence mechanisms and data transformation for military applications. Known for fostering a collaborative and forward-looking culture, they prioritise technical excellence, growth opportunities, and a commitment to impactful work supporting national security. With an emphasis on cutting-edge technology and a supportive environment, this is an ideal place for engineers eager to make a difference.

Role Overview

This pivotal role is a response to strategic growth initiatives. As Lead Delivery Engineer, you will be instrumental in ensuring the successful delivery of complex defence projects that involve advanced data systems and AI components. Your work will directly influence the operational capabilities of our military clients, providing challenging and rewarding opportunities to apply your expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the technical planning and execution of project deliverables, ensuring alignment with strategic goals
• Design and develop secure, scalable applications managing end-to-end data lifecycles from acquisition to inference
• Optimise application performance to meet stringent response times and operational demands
• Create dynamic visualisation dashboards on the Virtualitics AI Platform to simplify complex data insights
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Product, Customer Success, DevOps, and QA to meet project milestones
• Oversee risk mitigation, remove development bottlenecks, and ensure timely delivery of all project phases
• Serve as the primary escalation point to resolve technical challenges swiftly and efficiently

Essential Qualifications & Skills

• Hold a current U.S. Secret security clearance, with willingness to upgrade to TS/SCI if needed
• Permanent willingness to work onsite at the designated secure facility, up to five days per week
• Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related discipline, or at least 5 years of practical software development experience
• Proven experience deploying production-grade AI and agentic systems, with solid software engineering fundamentals
• Strong understanding of full stack development, DevSecOps practices, and relevant tools such as Docker, Kubernetes, and Git
• Proficiency in Python, with familiarity with data processing libraries (pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn, PyTorch)
• Experience handling diverse data types from multiple sources within complex data ecosystems

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Contributions to engineering best practices and demonstrated technical leadership
• Familiarity with big data frameworks such as Spark, Databricks, or Snowflake

Next Steps

Are you ready to take on a role where your expertise will directly impact national security initiatives?

Note: Applicants must meet all security clearance and onsite requirements. Only suitably qualified candidates will be contacted.