AI Architect

Overview

Acuity is looking for an AI Architect that will lead the design, development, and implementation of secure, scalable artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions supporting U.S. federal agency missions. This role operates within highly regulated environments and requires deep expertise in cloud architecture, data governance, and compliance frameworks. The AI Architect will ensure all solutions meet federal security standards while delivering actionable intelligence and automation capabilities

Why Acuity?

Looking to make a difference, to help keep people safe, or even to save lives through your work with technology? Join Acuity’s team of experts to have an impact on our government’s critical missions. Acuity, Inc. is a consulting firm that supports federal agencies in the areas of IT Modernization, Data Enablement, and Hyperautomation.

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement AI/ML solutions aligned with federal mission objectives (e.g., defense, intelligence, civilian agencies) 

• Design secure AI systems compliant with federal frameworks such as NIST Risk Management Framework and FedRAMP 

• Lead development of AI solutions in classified, controlled unclassified (CUI), or high-security environments 

• Integrate AI/ML capabilities into existing enterprise architectures and legacy government systems 

• Define AI governance, model risk management, and responsible AI practices in accordance with federal guidelines 

• Collaborate with program managers, contracting officers, cybersecurity teams, and mission stakeholders 

• Guide cloud-based AI deployments in GovCloud environments (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government) 

• Oversee MLOps pipelines with auditability, traceability, and compliance in mind 

• Ensure data handling aligns with federal data privacy and security regulations 

• Provide technical leadership across cross-functional contractor and government teams 

• Support proposal development, technical volumes, and solution architecture for new contract bids 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or related field 

• 8+ years of experience in software engineering, data engineering, or machine learning 

• 3+ years of experience architecting AI/ML solutions in government or highly regulated environments 

• Strong experience with secure system design and compliance-driven architecture 

• Proficiency in Python, Java, or similar languages 
• Experience working in Agile and/or DevSecOps environments 

Technical Skills 

• AI/ML frameworks: TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn 

• Experience with large language models (LLMs) and generative AI in secure environments 

• Data platforms: Databricks, Spark, Hadoop (with secure configurations) 

• MLOps tools with compliance tracking (model versioning, lineage, explainability) 

• API and microservices architecture in zero-trust environments 

• Experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) in secure clusters 

• Knowledge of Zero Trust Architecture and secure data pipelines 

Regulatory & Domain Expertise 

• Strong familiarity with: 

• FISMA 

• NIST 800-53 

• DoD 8570 / 8140 

• FedRAMP Moderate/High baselines 

• Experience handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and classified data 

• Understanding of Authority to Operate (ATO) processes 

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting agencies such as Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, or Intelligence Community organizations 

• Experience with contract vehicles (e.g., GWACs, IDIQs) and federal procurement processes 

• Background in mission areas such as cybersecurity, intelligence analysis, or logistics 

• Experience contributing to technical proposals (RFP/RFQ responses)

• Federal & Security Certifications: 

  • CompTIA Security+ 
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) 
  • Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) 

  Cloud & AI Certifications: 

  • AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty (GovCloud experience preferred) 
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate (Azure Government) 
  • Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer 

  Architecture Certifications: 

  • TOGAF 
  • AWS/Azure/GCP Solutions Architect certifications 

Clearance Requirement 

• Active security clearance (Secret or Top Secret)

Min

USD $108,000.00/Yr.

Max

USD $221,000.00/Yr.

Salary Range

The salary range for this position represents Acuity's good faith estimate of the compensation for this job title at the time of posting. Final compensation will be determined based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, education, certifications, skills, geographic location, contract requirements, applicable labor categories, and, where applicable, contract award and funding.