SETA Systems Engineer - AI focus (2026-0174)

acclaimtechnicalservices; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 240,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Acclaim Technical Services in the Washington, DC area is seeking a Systems Engineer with an AI focus holding TS/SCI w/ Poly to support our Data and Systems Integration Division based in McLean, VA.

The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree or PhD in AI or a closely related field and at least five years of post‑degree technical experience in artificial intelligence, with prior work in the National Security sector.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of post‑degree technical experience in artificial intelligence or closely related field.
• 5+ years of work supporting the National Security sector with TS/SCI FSP.

Skills

AI experience

Project management

Systems engineering

Education

Master’s or PhD in AI or related field

Job description

Acclaim Technical Services,founded in 2000, is a leading language, operations, and technology services company supporting a wide range of U.S. Federal agencies. We are an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company, which is uncommon within our business sector. We see this as a significant strength, and it shows: ATS is consistently ranked as a top workplace among DC area firms and continues to grow.

Systems Engineer w/ an AI focus with TS/SCI w/ Poly

We are actively recruiting for a Systems Engineer w/ an AI focus with TS/SCI w/ Poly to support our Data and Systems Integration Division, based in Mclean, VA.

Ideal candidate

Ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree or PhD in a technical Artificial Intelligence program or closely related field, along with at least 5 years of post-degree technical experience in Artificial intelligence or closely related field. 5+ years of work supporting the National Security sector with active TS/SCI FSP. Experience in frontier labs, project management, systems engineering preferred.

Desired Qualifications

• 4+ years of commercial experience in or with frontier AI research labs
• 3+ years of project management experience and proficiency in project management and or system engineering principles relevant to government research and development programs
• Experience supporting customer mission either as a contractor or staff, 3+ years of experience in system integration for research and development prototyping

The target salary range for this position is $240,000 - $280,000 depending on experience.

SALARY TRANSPARANCY

There are many factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employee owners value the flexibility at ATS that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, career growth, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad mix of exceptional benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families.

At ATS, you will be eligible to participate in a comprehensive benefits package such as healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits. Learn more at Employee Resources

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) STATEMENT

ATS is committed to a program of equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, age, religion/creed, hairstyles and hair textures, handicap/disability, genetic information/history, military/veteran status, or any other characteristic or condition protected by applicable law. We support the employment and advancement in employment of individuals with disabilities and of protected veterans, and we treat qualified individuals without discrimination on the basis of their physical or mental disability or veteran status.