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 an experienced machine learning leader to drive rapid prototyping of mission-critical technology for the Department of War. You will train, test, deploy, and maintain models, and define the direction of AI-enabled solutions with LLMs, embedding models, and RAG strategies.

Collaborate with data engineers and product owners to deliver cutting-edge AI agents, working within a team of ML engineers across Booz Allen.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in ML engineering, data science, data engineering, AI architecture, or software development.
• Experience with Large Language Models (LLMs) or Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architectures.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Train, test, deploy, and maintain ML models for mission-critical needs.
• Define direction of AI-enabled solutions and ML strategy for the Department of War.
• Collaborate with data engineers and product owners to deliver AI agents.
• Lead a team of ML engineers across the company.

Skills

ML engineering

AI strategy

Security clearance eligible

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree in AI

Tools

Python

Java

Embedding models

Vector databases

Semantic search

LangGraph

RAG architectures

Job description

Job Number: R0246202 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 artificial 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.