Sr. Artificial Intelligence Engineer (5361) (TS/SCI) (Ft. Belvoir, VA - Nolan Bldg)

SMX is seeking a Sr. Artificial Intelligence Engineer. This is a full-time onsite position in Ft. Belvoir, VA. Essential Duties & Responsibilities AI Model Lifecycle & MLOps Design, develop, and deploy machine learning models to achieve organizational mission objectives Implement MLOps processes and CI/CD pipelines in containerized or reproducible computing environments to support the full ML lifecycle Assess and address limitations of methods to deliver machine learning models in production Conduct AI risk assessments to ensure models and solutions are performing as designed Monitor, evaluate, and optimize ML model performance using appropriate metrics LLM Integration & Application Development Integrate AI solutions with cloud and enterprise IT infrastructure Design and implement AI-enabled applications leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) and foundation models Automate development, testing, security, and deployment of AI/ML-enabled software Develop APIs and interfaces to enable secure, scalable interaction with AI models Implement Responsible AI best practices aligned with DoD AI Ethical Principles Technical Leadership & Collaboration Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior AI/ML engineers and data scientists. Serve as the technical lead for AI solution architecture, making final determinations on model selection and deployment frameworks. Analyze ML model outputs and translate results for technical and non-technical stakeholders Explain AI concepts and terminology clearly to cross-functional teams Identify low-probability, high-impact risks in ML training data and throughout the AI solution lifespan Research and evaluate the latest ML and AI tools, techniques, and best practices Write and document reproducible, secure code with proper error handling Mission Support Collaborate with stakeholders to address data privacy, PII, PHI, and data reusability concerns Ensure AI design and development activities are properly documented and updated Conduct hypothesis testing using statistical processes Use knowledge of business processes to create or recommend AI solutions Required Skills, Experience & Education Security Active TS security clearance and eligible for SCI and NATO read-on prior to starting work Meet all requirements to receive a privileged user account on a TS/SCI information system (e.g. Army Cloud Computing Service Provider) prior to starting work. The requirements are currently defined in DoDD 8140.01. Security+ or related DoDD 8140-relevant certification (or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire) Education and Experience Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics or Statistics, Computer Engineering, Information Technology or related field and 3+ years of experience in AI/ML engineering, with demonstrable expertise in model deployment and operationalization, or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics or Statistics, Computer Engineering, Information Technology or related field and 5+ years of experience in AI/ML engineering, with demonstrable expertise in model deployment and operationalization Hands-on experience with MLOps processes, CI/CD for ML, and containerized deployment environments (Docker, Kubernetes) Knowledge of Responsible AI frameworks and bias mitigation techniques Technical Skills Strong proficiency in machine learning theory, model development, and deployment Experience integrating AI solutions with LLMs (e.g., OpenAI GPT, Azure OpenAI, AWS Bedrock, or open-source alternatives) Proficiency in Python scripting and ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, Hugging Face) Knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and AI/ML service models (SaaS, IaaS, PaaS) Understanding of AI security risks, threats, and vulnerabilities, and mitigation strategies Familiarity with testing, evaluation, validation, and verification (T&E V&V) for AI systems Analytical & Communication Skills Ability to evaluate ML model effectiveness using appropriate metrics Skill in identifying and mitigating risks across the AI lifecycle Strong technical writing and presentation skills Ability to tailor technical information to diverse audiences Professional Attributes: Judgment – Assessing trade-offs and making informed technical decisions Problem-solving – Framing complex challenges and developing actionable solutions Execution orientation – Delivering results in dynamic, fast-paced environments Innovation & creativity – Recommending improvements and exploring emerging AI capabilities Risk-centered mindset – Understanding threats, vulnerabilities, and mission impacts Trustworthiness – Operating with integrity in highly sensitive environments Desired Skills/Experience Experience with DoD AI Ethical Principles (responsible, equitable, traceable, reliable, governable) Familiarity with NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) or cybersecurity compliance standards Experience in defense or IC AI/ML projects Relevant certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Machine Learning, Azure AI Engineer, TensorFlow Developer) Application Deadline: August 17, 2026

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#LI-onsite The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement. The proposed salary for this position is:

$165,000—$180,000 USD

At SMX®, we are a team of technical and domain experts dedicated to enabling your mission. From priority national security initiatives for the DoD to highly assured and compliant solutions for healthcare, we understand that digital transformation is key to your future success. We share your vision for the future and strive to accelerate your impact on the world. We bring both cutting edge technology and an expansive view of what’s possible to every engagement. Our delivery model and unique approaches harness our deep technical and domain knowledge, providing forward-looking insights and practical solutions to power secure mission acceleration. SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans. Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification. SMX does not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1 and O-1, or any EADs or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).