Sr. AI Developer
iCatalyst Inc
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Job summary
iCatalyst, Inc. is seeking a Sr. AI Developer to join our federal program team in a hybrid DC/VA area.
The role focuses on designing and delivering AI-powered applications using Azure AI services, including OpenAI, AI Studio, and vector search. You will build scalable data pipelines, integrate with .NET systems, and contribute to secure development practices. You will lead across the development lifecycle, working with cross-functional teams and leveraging low-code/no-code platforms to enable
Qualifications
- 8-10 years of software development experience with AI/ML
- Experience building and deploying AI/LLM-based applications
- Experience integrating AI into enterprise apps
- Familiarity with .NET/C# environments is a plus
- Strong Python, REST API, and backend service skills
- Knowledge of CI/CD and cloud-native development practices
- Understanding of security guidelines (NIST/FedRAMP)
Responsibilities
- Lead design, development, testing, and deployment of AI-powered apps using Azure AI services
- Guide AI solution lifecycle from prototyping to production
- Develop AI capabilities with low-code/no-code platforms for scalable automation
- Build LLM-based solutions including RAG, copilots, and AI-driven tools
- Develop scalable backend services and data pipelines on Azure
- Apply prompt engineering and model evaluation to improve AI performance
- Integrate AI features into enterprise apps and .NET systems
- Collaborate across engineering, product, DevOps, and UX for production readiness
- Contribute to CI/CD pipelines and architecture documentation
- Adhere to secure coding practices and enterprise security guidelines
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Role/Title: Sr. AI Developer
Priority: High – Immediate Hire
Hybrid Opportunity - Must be local to the DC/VA/MD area and available to work onsite when needed.
iCatalyst, Inc. is a next-generation technology company specializing in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Machine Learning (ML), and Robotic Process Automation (RPA).
Since 2007, we have partnered with federal and commercial clients to deliver innovative, mission-driven solutions that enhance operational efficiency, digital transformation, and business outcomes.
Our solutions are built on a foundation of agility, security, and scalability, guided by our CMMI ML 3 Services and Software Development framework and backed by globally recognized certifications in ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management) and ISO/IEC 27001:2022 (Information Security).
We specialize in AI-Driven Digital Transformation, Cloud and Infrastructure Modernization, Data Engineering and Advanced Analytics, Enterprise IT Modernization and Mission-Focused Program and Change Management.
At iCatalyst, our people are at the center of everything we do.
- Award-winning culture of innovation and a friendly workplace
- Work on cutting-edge AI and digital transformation projects
- Be part of a mission-driven team
- Grow your career in a stable, certified, high-performing organization
- Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages, 401K with company match, competitive pay
We are seeking a Sr. AI Developer to join our growing team in support of our federal program.
This is an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies and contribute to impactful, mission-critical initiatives.
- Lead the design, development, testing, and deployment of AI-powered applications using Azure AI services, including:
- Azure OpenAI Service
- Azure AI Studio
- Azure AI Search (vector search)
- Cognitive Services (as applicable)
- Lead across the development lifecycle for AI solutions, from prototyping and model development through deployment and production integration, with guidance from senior team members as needed.
- Design, develop, and integrate AI-powered capabilities using or in conjunction with low-code/no-code platforms (e.g., Appian, UiPath, Pega) to enable scalable automation and workflow solutions.
- Build and implement LLM-based solutions, including:
- Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)
- Intelligent chatbots/copilots
- AI-driven automation tools
- Develop scalable backend services and APIs to support AI functionality using technologies such as Python.
- Build and maintain data pipelines for ingestion, transformation, and inference using Azure data services (e.g., Blob Storage, Data Lake).
- Apply prompt engineering, model evaluation, and optimization techniques to improve the performance, accuracy, and usability of AI solutions.
- Integrate AI capabilities into existing enterprise applications, including .NET-based systems where applicable.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, product, DevOps, UX) to implement and support AI features in production environments.
- Contribute to CI/CD pipelines and deployment workflows using Azure DevOps or similar tools.
- Maintain lightweight technical documentation (e.g., architecture overviews, API documentation, key design decisions) to support development and knowledge sharing.
- Ensure solutions follow secure coding practices and align with applicable enterprise security guidelines (e.g., NIST and FedRAMP awareness).
- Experience contributing to AI/ML or LLM-based solutions across data ingestion, model development, deployment, and production integration.
- Strong programming experience in Python, with a focus on building AI/ML applications.
- Experience building LLM-based applications using Azure AI services, such as Azure OpenAI, Azure AI Studio, or Azure AI Search. Familiarity with supporting APIs, orchestration frameworks, and model libraries is a plus.
- Experience integrating AI capabilities into production applications.
- Experience developing REST APIs and backend services using frameworks such as FastAPI, Flask, or similar.
- Experience in data processing and manipulation using tools such as Pandas and NumPy or similar.
- Familiarity with cloud-native development practices and CI/CD pipelines.
- Familiarity with low-code/no-code platforms (Appian, UiPath, Pega) is a plus.
- Understanding of secure development practices and enterprise environments; NIST/FedRAMP awareness is preferred.
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and deliver high-quality work in fast-paced environments.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently on assigned tasks while collaborating effectively and seeking guidance when needed.
- Strong attention to detail, with a focus on accuracy and quality.
- Effective communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.
- Adaptable and flexible, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively across cross-functional teams.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- 8-10 years of software development experience, including experience with AI/ML solutions.
- Experience building and deploying AI/ML or LLM-based applications.
- Experience integrating AI capabilities into enterprise applications or systems.
- Experience with .NET/C# environments is a plus, particularly for integrating AI services into existing applications.
- Preferred Certifications:
- Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate
- Other relevant AI/ML or cloud certifications preferred: Appian/Pega/UiPath Developer, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert, or Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect.
- Proven ability to work in fast-paced, client-focused environments.
- Experience supporting federal programs preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related STEM field from an accredited university with 8 years of experience, or an MS/MA degree in a related field with 5 years of experience.
- Washington D.C./McLean, VA (Hybrid)
- Monday – Friday 8AM – 5:30PM EST
- Work schedules and arrangements (remote/hybrid) may be adjusted based on client and program needs
- Full-Time, Salaried (Exempt)
- Federal Agency
- The likely salary range or Hourly rate for this position is $120k - 140k.
Salary range reflects our commitment to pay equity and transparency. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, certifications, labor qualifications, geographic location and contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.
- U.S. Citizenship required
- Ability to successfully pass a federal background check
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust Clearance
- Employment is subject to verification of eligibility to work in the United States
- Minimal or no travel anticipated
We regularly review our Total Rewards package to ensure our offerings are competitive and reflect what our employees have told us they value most.
Our benefits package for eligible employees includes a variety of medical plan options, some with Health Savings Accounts, a dental plan option, a vision plan, and a 401(k)-plan offering the ability to contribute both pre- and post-tax dollars up to the IRS annual limits and receive a company match.
To encourage work/life balance, iCatalyst offers employees a variety of paid time off plans, including vacation, sick, 11 Federal holidays, military, bereavement and jury duty leave. To ensure our employees are able to protect their income, other offerings such as short and long-term disability benefits, life, accidental death and dismemberment, insurance are provided or available.
In addition, we offer our full-time employees the following benefits subject to eligibility and iCatalyst policies.
- Phone and internet Reimbursement for eligible employees
- Transportation Support (Uber rides to & from HQ to select locations)
- Training & Education Assistance (per eligibility)
- Annual Wellness Benefit
- Social and Community giveback
iCatalyst, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics
- This position is contingent upon contract award and/or client approval, where applicable
- Candidates will be required to adhere to client-specific compliance requirements and sign NDAs
- iCatalyst reserves the right to modify job responsibilities, duties, or requirements as business needs evolve
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