Machine Learning Engineer

ntconcepts; Chantilly (VA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 181,000; Full time

Job summary

NT Concepts is seeking a Machine Learning Engineer to bridge cutting-edge ML and CV research into production systems supporting national security missions.

You will design and deploy automated ML workflows, collaborate with mission partners, and uphold DataOps/DevSecOps practices in cloud-native architectures.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience deploying ML models into production environments.
• Strong Python and CV framework experience (PyTorch, OpenCV, TensorFlow, NumPy).
• Experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and ML lifecycle platforms (MLflow, Kubeflow, AWS SageMaker).
• Familiarity with cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP) and modern development practices (Git, CI/CD, Agile).

Responsibilities

• Prototype to production: take ML/CV solutions into containerized microservices.
• Work with mission partners to translate real-world challenges into ML requirements.
• Build and optimize ML pipelines for data prep, training, validation, deployment, and monitoring.
• Develop/ tune DL models for CV tasks (detection, classification, segmentation, tracking).
• Integrate ML models into secure cloud infrastructures and systems.

Skills

Python

Deep Learning

Computer Vision

PyTorch

OpenCV

TensorFlow

NumPy

Docker

Kubernetes

MLflow

Kubeflow

AWS SageMaker

Cloud

CI/CD

Agile

Tools

GitLab CI/CD

Git

Job description

We are seeking a Machine Learning Engineer with a passion for building mission-critical capabilities to join our talent network. Working at NT Concepts means that you are part of an innovative, agile company dedicated to solving the most critical challenges in National Security. If meaningful work, initiative, creativity, and continuous self-improvement are important to your career, explore What's Next with us.

Mission Focus

Our machine learning teams bridge the gap between cutting-edge AI research and operational government missions. We are looking for engineers who can take machine learning and Computer Vision (CV) solutions from early research and prototyping all the way into stable, scalable production environments.

In this role

you will help design, build, and deploy automated ML workflows that directly support national security analysts and operators. We embrace modern agile practices, a DataOps/DevSecOps/MLOps ethos to "automate-first," and modern cloud-native architectures.

Clearance

Active TS/SCI required (CI Polygraph preferred or must be eligible to obtain)

Location/Flexibility

Vienna, VA / Chantilly, VA (Hybrid / Flexible Remote options available)

Responsibilities

• Prototype to Production: Support the full machine learning lifecycle, taking computer vision models from experimentation and notebooks into containerized, high-throughput production microservices.
• Mission Alignment: Work closely with mission partners, domain experts, and technical teams to understand real-world operational challenges and translate them into practical ML requirements.
• MLOps & Pipeline Automation : Build, maintain, and optimize robust pipelines for data preparation, model training, validation, versioning, deployment, and monitoring using modern tools (such as MLflow, Kubeflow, and GitLab CI/CD).
• Model Development & Tuning: Train, fine-tune, and evaluate deep learning algorithms for computer vision tasks (e.g., object detection, classification, segmentation, tracking).
• System Integration: Collaborate with cross-functional software engineers and cloud architects to integrate ML models cleanly into larger enterprise systems and secure cloud infrastructures.
• Optimization & Governance: Optimize inference performance, apply secure coding practices, and monitor models for drift and reliability once deployed.

Qualifications

• Clearance: Active TS/SCI clearance.
• Hands-On Experience: Demonstrated professional experience developing, testing, and deploying machine learning models into real-world or production environments.
• Deep Learning & CV: Strong programming skills in Python and hands-on experience with deep learning frameworks (primarily PyTorch, OpenCV, TensorFlow, or NumPy).
• ML Lifecycle & MLOps: Practical familiarity with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and ML lifecycle/pipeline platforms (e.g., MLflow, Kubeflow, AWS SageMaker).
• Cloud & DevOps Foundations: Familiarity working in cloud environments (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and modern development practices (Git, CI/CD pipelines, Agile methodologies).
• Customer & Mission Mindset: Ability to understand the end-user's mission objectives, iterate based on user feedback, and clearly communicate technical approaches.

Preferred / Desired Skills

• Experience working within secure, air-gapped, or classified cloud environments (e.g., AWS GovCloud / C2S).
• Experience with synthetic data generation techniques or multi-modal models.
• Exposure to Large Language Models (LLMs) or generative AI workflows.
• Familiarity with distributed model training and GPU resource management.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 10-15 pounds at times.

#JT

The pay range listed for this position reflects the wage or salary range NT Concepts expects to pay for this role at the time of posting. The compensation offered to a successful candidate within this range will be based on legitimate, job-related factors, including (but not limited to) the candidate's work location, education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements.

Virginia Pay Range

$120,336 - $180,504 USD

About NT Concepts

Founded in 1998 and headquartered in the Washington DC Metro area, NT Concepts is a private, mid-tier company with clients spanning the Intelligence and Defense communities. We deliver end-to-end data and technology solutions that advance the modernization, transformation, and automation of the national security mission-solutions with real impact developed in a strong engineering culture that encourages technical growth, leadership, and creative "big idea" problem-solving.

Employees are the core of NT Concepts. We understand that world-changing concepts happen in collaborative environments. We are a company where talented teams work together using innovation and expertise to solve our clients' most critical challenges. Here, you'll gain competitive