Staff AI/ML Engineering Manager

CACI International Inc; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 108,400 - 227,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Flexible time off

Financial benefits

Continuing education support

Job summary

A leading defense contractor in Colorado is seeking a Staff AI/ML Engineering Manager to lead a team in developing AI/ML applications. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in AI/ML, proficiency in Python and machine learning libraries, and a strong background in managing technical teams. This role offers competitive compensation with a salary range of $108,400 - $227,500 USD, flexibility in work, and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in a leadership capacity such as Tech Lead or Team Lead.
• 8+ years of experience developing AI/ML applications.
• Active TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Manage and mentor a team of AI/ML engineers.
• Participate in the end-to-end machine learning lifecycle.
• Conduct regular 1:1 bi-weekly meetings with team members.

Skills

Python

Machine Learning Libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch)

Problem-solving

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, mathematics, engineering, or a related field

Tools

Git

MLOps Frameworks

Job description

Job Title: Staff AI/ML Engineering Manager

Job Category: Science

Time Type: Full time

Minimum Clearance Required to Start: TS/SCI

Employee Type: Regular

Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10%

Type of Travel: Local

Anticipated Posting End: 8/31/2026

The Opportunity

This position is for an AI/ML Engineering Manager. We are seeking a talented and motivated AI/ML Engineering Manager to join our growing team. This is a unique player/coach role designed for an experienced AI/ML engineer who is passionate about both researching, building, developing AI/ML applications and leading people. You will be responsible for managing and mentoring a team of skilled AI/ML researchers and engineers while also actively apply cutting‑edge AI/ML algorithms in a variety of domains to meet the mission needs of our customers. You'll split your time effectively between guiding your team's success and rolling up your sleeves to wrangle data, write code, build and train models, solve complex technical challenges, and contribute directly to our AI/ML portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Hands‑on AI/ML Development: Actively participate in the end‑to‑end machine learning lifecycle, contributing high‑quality, well‑tested, and maintainable code for data pipelines, model training, evaluation, and deployment to key AI/ML projects using our tech stack.
  • Proven proficiency in Python, including experience with key machine learning libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit‑learn, Pandas, NumPy).
• ML System Design & Architecture: Contribute to technical design discussions and architectural decisions for scalable and robust machine learning systems, including data pipelines, model training infrastructure, serving layers, and MLOps frameworks.
• Code & Model Quality: Actively participate in code reviews, ensuring adherence to coding standards, MLOps best practices, and high‑quality engineering principles, specifically for machine learning models and infrastructure (e.g., reproducibility, testability, explainability).
• Stay Current and Mentor: Keep abreast of cutting‑edge machine learning research, algorithms, MLOps tools, and cloud AI/ML services, advocating for their strategic adoption. Leverage this continuous learning to mentor and provide technical direction to your AI/ML team.
• Lead & Mentor: Manage, coach, and mentor a team of AI/ML engineers, fostering their technical and professional growth, by providing career advice and helping with program technical guidance. Additionally, you will work with the greater AI/ML engineering group to cultivate a positive, collaborative, inclusive, and high‑performing team that is focused on bringing modern AI/ML development practices and robust engineering principles across all ARKA programs.
• Performance Management: Conduct regular 1:1 bi‑weekly meetings with your team, provide feedback on both technical and non‑technical topics, assist with setting clear goals, and manage performance reviews for your direct reports.
• Collaboration: Work closely with AI/ML engineering organization and other engineering leadership to align priorities, define requirements, and ensure successful project delivery across programs.
• Project Oversight: Help manage project priorities, timelines, and deliverables for your team, identifying and removing roadblocks.
• Hiring & Onboarding: Participate in the recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, and retention of engineering talent for your team and the broader organization. Additionally works closely with engineering leadership to align current and new staff skillsets with program needs over time.

Qualifications

• Required:
  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, mathematics, engineering, or a related field
  • 3+ years of experience in a formal or informal leadership capacity (e.g., Tech Lead, Team Lead, mentoring junior engineers, project leadership)
  • 8+ years of experience developing AI/ML applications, data science, or algorithm development
  • Experience with Python and data science / machine learning libraries (e.g. PyTorch, TensorFlow, Keras, OpenCV, NumPy, Pandas, Polars, scikit‑learn, etc.)
  • Experience with one or more of the following areas:
    • Applying unsupervised and/or supervised machine learning techniques
    • Applying and/or developing algorithms based in statistical analysis
    • Analyzing large datasets and building models to perform inference
  • Applying Large Language Models (LLMs) and techniques such as retrieval‑augmented generation (RAG), fine tuning, and prompt engineering
  • Experience with deep learning architectures (e.g. FCNs, CNNs, RNNs, Transformers, GANs)
  • Experience with modern software development methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Kanban)
  • Experience with version control systems such as Git and the associated tooling to for modern software version control
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills
  • Strong problem‑solving and analytical abilities
  • A genuine passion for both technology and people leadership
  • Ability to effectively balance management responsibilities with individual technical contributions
  • Active TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance
• Desired:
  • MS or PhD in machine learning, computer science, mathematics, or related fields
  • Experience directly managing AI/ML engineers, including performance management cycles
  • Experience with any of the following AI/ML domains:
    • Large Language Models and experience identifying ways to incorporate them into new areas and applications
    • Applying Transformer‑based architectures to domains in other areas outside of Natural Language Processing (NLP) such as computer vision
    • Object detection algorithms such as YOLO and Faster‑RCNN
    • Natural Language Processing algorithms such as BERT
    • Generative Adversarial Networks and Variational Autoencoders
    • Reinforcement learning and familiarity with Gymnasium, Gym, RLlib, and Stable Baselines
    • Applying clustering algorithms and/or deep neural networks to real life problems
    • Implementing tracking and pattern‑of‑life algorithms
  • Experience with Machine Learning libraries and frameworks such as HuggingFace and LangChain
  • Experience with Computer Vision libraries such as OpenCV, Nerfstudio, FiftyOne, etc.
  • Experience with Linux
  • Familiarity with using AWS cloud computing resources such as EC2, S3, Lambda, etc.
  • Experience with any of the following additional languages: Java, C++, Rust, Go, and/or C#
  • Experience implementing algorithms on the GPU in Python or C++ using CUDA and other CUDA libraries
  • Experience in application deployment, virtualization, and containerization (e.g. Podman, Docker, Kubernetes, Rancher)
  • Experience working with various Remote Sensing datasets (e.g. EO/OPIR/SAR images, passive RF, etc.)
  • Experience shaping and writing proposals

What You Can Expect

A culture of integrity. At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you’ll be part of a high‑performing group dedicated to our customer’s missions and driven by a higher purpose – to ensure the safety of our nation.

An environment of trust. CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You’ll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.

A focus on continuous growth. Together, we will advance our nation’s most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground — in your career and in our legacy.

Pay Range

There are a host of 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 employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.

Proposed Salary Range For This Position Is

$108,400 - 227,500 USD

CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.