Senior AI Engineer/Software Developer - TS/SCI with Polygraph

General Dynamics Information Technology; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

General Dynamics Information Technology is seeking a Senior AI Engineer in Chantilly, VA, to lead design, development, and secure integration of AI features into mission systems on classified networks. This hands-on role establishes architectures, governance, and coding standards while growing a small, high-security team.

You will collaborate with program leadership and government stakeholders to deliver auditable, compliant AI capabilities in restricted environments, including RMF and AO

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI with polygraph.
• 8+ years software development experience, 3+ years building/integrating ML/AI capabilities.
• Expert-level Python; working proficiency in at least one additional language (JavaScript/TypeScript or Java).
• Experience deploying or serving LLMs/ML models in disconnected, on-premises, or government cloud environments.

Responsibilities

• Architect, build, and maintain AI-enabled applications and services within air-gapped and government cloud environments.
• Deploy, serve, and tune large language models and ML models on-premises or in accredited cloud enclaves (no external API dependency).
• Design retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines and embedding workflows over controlled data sets with proper data handling and classification controls.
• Operationalize the program's AI governance framework: model capability tiering, use-case approval workflow, rules of engagement, and audit/logging requirements.
• Support security accreditation activities, including AO engagement, RMF documentation inputs, and responsible AI evidence.
• Build and optimize data pipelines feeding AI-driven features; integrate with existing program systems and workflows.
• Establish code quality, testing, and documentation standards for the AI engineering function; mentor mid-level developers as the team grows.
• Brief technical approach and results to program leadership and government customers.

Skills

Python

LLM deployment

Docker

Kubernetes

Education

Advanced degree in CS/EE

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Role Overview
We are seeking a senior AI Engineer to lead the design, development, and secure integration of AI and machine learning capabilities into mission systems operating on classified networks. This is a hands-on technical leadership role: you will establish the architectural patterns, governance alignment, and engineering standards for AI-enabled features across the program, and grow a small team over time. You will work directly with program leadership, government stakeholders, and security/accreditation authorities to deliver AI capabilities that are effective, auditable, and compliant within a high-side environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect, build, and maintain AI-enabled applications and services within air-gapped and government cloud environments
• Deploy, serve, and tune large language models and ML models on-premises or in accredited cloud enclaves (no external API dependency)
• Design retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines and embedding workflows over controlled data sets, with appropriate data handling and classification controls
• Operationalize the program's AI governance framework: model capability tiering, use-case approval workflow, rules of engagement, and audit/logging requirements
• Support security accreditation activities, including AO engagement, RMF documentation inputs, and responsible AI evidence
• Build and optimize data pipelines feeding AI-driven features; integrate with existing program systems and workflows
• Establish code quality, testing, and documentation standards for the AI engineering function; mentor mid-level developers as the team grows
• Brief technical approach and results to program leadership and government customers

Required Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI with polygraph
• 8+ years of professional software development experience (or 6+ with a relevant advanced degree), including 3+ years building or integrating ML/AI capabilities
• Expert-level Python; working proficiency in at least one additional language (JavaScript/TypeScript, Java, or similar)
• Demonstrated experience deploying or serving LLMs or ML models in disconnected, on-premises, or government cloud environments (Azure Government, AWS GovCloud, or equivalent)
• Practical experience with model inference, embeddings, vector search, and prompt engineering in production systems
• Experience with containerization (Docker/Kubernetes or equivalent) and CI/CD in restricted environments
• Strong understanding of data security, classification handling, and responsible AI practices
• Proven ability to work directly with government customers and translate mission requirements into technical solutions

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting RMF accreditation or AO engagement for AI/ML systems
• Familiarity with open-weight model deployment (Llama, Mistral, or similar) and model quantization/optimization for constrained hardware
• Experience with ML frameworks (PyTorch preferred)
• Prior work on IC or DoD programs; NRO experience a significant plus
• Experience standing up or leading a small engineering team

GDIT IS YOUR PLACE

• Growth: AI-powered career tool that identifies career steps and learning opportunities
• Support: An internal mobility team focused on helping you achieve your career goals
• Rewards: Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages, 401K with company match, and competitive pay and paid time off
• Community: Award-winning culture of innovation and a military-friendly workplace

OWN YOUR OPPORTUNITY

Explore a career in program management at GDIT and you'll find endless opportunities to grow alongside colleagues who share your passion for the mission and delivering results.