AI Machine Learning Developer Principal

We are seeking to build a team of AI/ML Developers to join our Solutions and Technology Group, reporting to the Intel Space CTO. In this matrixed role, you will lead the creation, prototyping, and operationalization of cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) Proof of Concepts (PoCs) specifically tailored for Intelligence Community (IC) mission use cases.

This is a dynamic, high-impact set of positions supporting multiple programs. You will operate as a shared technical subject matter expert, balancing intermixed timelines, competing program priorities, and evolving delivery expectations. The ideal candidates excels at rapid prototyping, taking complex concepts and turning them into functional demonstrations. This is a hybrid opportunity and are open to candidates only in Northern VA area . Candidates must have an active Top Secret Clearance with the ability to get SCI access.

1. Rapid PoC & Demo Prototyping (40%)

• Design & Build: Rapidly design, build, and deploy high-fidelity, visual AI/ML prototypes (GenAI/LLMs, NLP, computer vision, predictive analytics) to address complex IC mission needs. The PoCs can be either on the unclassified side or on-prem in a SCIF.
• Mission Alignment: Collaborate with program leads and stakeholders to align prototypes with real-world user workflows and emerging technical requirements.

2. Operationalization & MLOps Integration (30%)

• Secure Deployment: Transition sandboxed PoCs into secure, multi-tenant cloud environments (AWS C2S, Azure Secret) and air-gapped networks.
• Pipeline Engineering: Build automated CI/CD pipelines, containerize applications, and ensure compliance with federal software assurance and security standards.

3. Matrixed Program Support & Timeline Management (20%)

• Cross-Program Execution: Successfully divide technical execution across multiple active programs with distinct, overlapping deliverable timelines.
• Priority Coordination: Proactively negotiate schedules with multiple Project Managers to ensure all high-priority milestones are met.

4. Technical Communication & Stakeholder Engagement (10%)

• Demos & Docs: Conduct compelling live technical demonstrations for senior IC customers and maintain clean, reusable codebases and architectural documentation.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related technical discipline with 9+ years of relevant experience; OR Master’s degree with 7 years of relevant experience.
• Candidates must be U.S. Citizens.
• Clearance: Active Top Secret Clearance with the eligibility to obtain SCI access 
• Programming Skills: Proficiency in Python and software engineering practices (version control with Git, unit testing, clean code architectures).
• Foundational AI/ML Frameworks: Hands-on experience developing ML models using frameworks like PyTorch or TensorFlow, and handling structured/unstructured data.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience deploying AI/ML models in secure, multi-tenant cloud environments (e.g., AWS C2S / SC2S, Azure Government) or air-gapped networks.
• Familiarity with MLOps and orchestration platforms (e.g., MLflow, Kubeflow, Apache Airflow, Triton Inference Server).
• Experience using lightweight frontend tools (e.g., Streamlit, Gradio) to build functional, interactive user interfaces for demonstrations.
• Familiarity with IC missions.