Rapid Prototyping Mission Technology Lead

Booz Allen Hamilton; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 113,000 - 257,000; Full time

Job summary

Booz Allen Hamilton is seeking a Senior Machine Learning Engineer to join the Defense Technology team in the Washington, DC area for mission-driven AI work.

As an ML engineer, you will train, test, deploy, and maintain models that learn from data to deliver mission-critical solutions, collaborating with data engineers and product owners to guide DoD-scale ML strategy and responsible AI practices.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in ML engineering, data science, or related fields.
• Experience with LLMs or RAG architectures.
• Proficiency in Python or Java.
• Knowledge of embedding models, vector databases and semantic search.
• Understanding AI safety, guardrails and responsible AI.
• Experience with agent planning, reasoning and execution loops.
• Ability to obtain a Secret clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree.

Skills

Machine Learning

LLMs / RAG

Python

Java

Software design patterns

Embedding models

Vector databases

Semantic search

AI safety

Agent planning

Secret clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master's degree in AI

Job description

Join a culture of emplowerment and connectivity.

Develop your craft

Learn the skills you need to accelerate your career.

Discover benefits that your life and work.

Innovate with intention

Build mission-ready tech that protects the nation.

Rapid Prototyping Mission Technology Lead

The Opportunity:

As an experienced engineer, you know that machine learning is critical to understanding and processing massive datasets. Your ability to conduct statistical analyses on business processes using ML techniques makes you an integral part of delivering a customer-focused solution. We need your technical knowledge and desire to problem-solve to support critical advancements in the Department of War. As a machine learning engineer on our Defense Technology team, you’ll train, test, deploy, and maintain models that learn from data to create real-world, mission-critical impacts.

In this role, you’ll own and define the direction of mission-critical solutions by applying best-fit ML algorithms and technologies and through the development, deployment, and management of AI agents. You’ll be part of a talented team of machine learning engineers across the company and collaborate with data engineers and product owners to deliver world class solutions to develop cutting edge AI agents capable of solving our military's most challenging missions. Your skills and extensive technical expertise will guide clients as they navigate the landscape of ML algorithms, tools, and frameworks.

Work with us to solve real-world challenges and define ML strategy for the Department of War.

Join us. The world can't wait.

You Have:

• 6+ years of experience within Machine Learning engineering, data science, data engineering, AI architecture, or software development
• Experience developing applications using Large Language Models (LLMs) or RAG architectures
• Experience with programming languages such as Python or Java
• Experience with software design patterns
• Knowledge of embedding models, vector databases, and semantic search
• Knowledge of AI safety, guardrails, and responsible AI practices
• Knowledge of agent planning, reasoning, and execution loops
• Ability to obtain a Secret clearance
• Bachelor’s degree

Nice If You Have:

• Experience with keyboard technology development in cloud service provider technology, such as Azure, AWS, and GCP
• Experience in the integration of artifi cia l intelligence technology into digital solutions for the Department of War
• Experience with Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architectures
• Experience with LangGraph
• Experience with model evaluation and AI quality metrics
• Secret clearance
• Master's degree in AI

Clearance:

Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information .

Compensation

At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen's benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.

Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $112,800.00 to $257,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen's total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.

Identity Statement

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.

Work Model

Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration, whether it occurs in person or virtually. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings.

• Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.
• Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.
• Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.