AI ML Engineer Principal

Job ID:

Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, US

Date Posted: 2025-04-10

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Machine Learning Engineer

Schedule: Full-time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes, 10 % of the Time

Minimum Clearance Required: Top Secret

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: TS/SCI

Potential for Remote Work: Yes

Description

SAIC is seeking an AI/ML Engineer Chief to support the AF TENCAP HOPE 2.0 contract. The AF TENCAP HOPE 2.0 contract bridges intelligence community collection architectures, capabilities, and technologies with DoD operational and tactical requirements. This effort will deliver rapid, innovative, and cost-effective capabilities to meet warfighter needs, and will include bringing national capabilities to bear cross all warfighting domains spanning intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, combat applications, battlespace awareness, command and control, multi-level security and mission programs. This next generation approach shall employ the latest advancements in geolocation and tagging, sensor and data fusion, unconventional / asymmetric warfare, situational awareness, cyberspace and spectrum warfare, large data analytics, data lake, jamming technologies, sensor technologies, geo-registration to deliver a cutting-edge approach.

The AI/ML Engineer Chief will develop and integrate advanced AI/ML algorithms to enhance operational capabilities and reduce risks. Leveraging a robust Enterprise Data Architecture, the AI/ML Engineer Chief will ensure secure and efficient data management, creating a unified data mesh with secure interoperability for AF TENCAP projects. This role ensures that data insights are effectively disseminated to the warfighter, enhancing their user experience and supporting effective mission outcomes.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in AI/ML algorithm development and a proven track record of integrating AI/ML technologies into larger systems within complex, classified environments. Essential skills include strong programming abilities, familiarity with AI/ML frameworks, and experience in cloud computing. Proficiency in big data engineering and managing complex data pipelines with a focus on rapid prototyping is required. This role necessitates collaboration across multidisciplinary teams to build trust and ensure AI model explainability, enhancing human-machine partnerships for better decision-making.
Key Responsibilities:

• Design, build, and maintain ML/DL models for various AI applications in classified environments.
• Leverage the Enterprise Data Architecture for secure and efficient data management.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to test, validate, and deploy AI/ML models.
• Enhance system performance through AI/ML models and big data engineering.
• Analyze large datasets to identify patterns and insights.
• Design and manage data pipelines for rapid prototyping.
• Implement data visualization and UX solutions to enhance user experience.
• Apply zero-trust principles in data security and management.
• Develop solutions for MLS systems, integrating data from different security enclaves.
• Translate mission needs into analytical approaches to achieve mission outcomes.
• Perform data collection, cleansing, integration, and storage in classified settings.
• Ensure AI solutions comply with privacy regulations and ethical AI standards.
• Implement monitoring for AI model performance.
• Build trust and "explainability" in AI, ensuring transparent processes.
• Stay updated with AI/ML advancements and incorporate them into operations.
• Manage and support a team of engineers, fostering a collaborative environment

Qualifications
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Active Top Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI.
• Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• 14 years of experience in Data Collection, Processing, or Analysis systems.
• 5 years of experience with classified DoD/IC systems and AI/ML development.
• 5 years of experience leading technical teams.
• Experience with AI/ML frameworks (TensorFlow, Keras, PyTorch).
• Experience with programming in Python, R, C++, or similar.
• Experience using analytics and visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI, matplotlib, Plotly).
• Experience in big data solutions (Accumulo, Hadoop, Spark, Kafka).
• DoD 8570/8140 certifications or equivalent in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity (e.g., Security+ or higher).

DESIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with GPU compute and leading AI/ML libraries.
• Familiarity with Geospatial or Signals Intelligence Data.
• Knowledge of cloud platforms for model deployment and data storage (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform).
• Experience with MLOps pipelines and CI/CD.

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.

Covid Policy: SAIC does not require COVID-19 vaccinations or boosters. Customer site vaccination requirements must be followed when work is performed at a customer site.