AI Engineer - Data Science and Algorithms

About the Role: Maximus is seeking a Lead AI Engineer – Data Science and Algorithms to design, build, deploy, and improve production AI solutions. This is a hands-on individual contributor role focused on developing advanced algorithms using real-world data and operating them in production environments. The role involves applying artificial intelligence, machine learning, mathematics, and data science to solve complex business and operational problems. The successful candidate will take ownership of technical challenges from initial exploration through implementation, deployment, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement. This position is remote.

Key Responsibilities: Lead the development and application of AI, machine learning, mathematical, and data science solutions across the enterprise. Identify appropriate tools, technologies, methodologies, processes, and automation for individual business and technical requirements. Apply advanced mathematical analysis to develop practical solutions and support mission outcomes. Design, build, test, deploy, and improve production AI solutions and algorithms. Take ownership of complex technical problems from initial exploration through implementation, deployment, troubleshooting, and ongoing improvement. Write high-quality software and contribute directly to custom enterprise capabilities. Develop AI-enabled applications that integrate models, enterprise data, cloud services, APIs, and existing systems. Improve AI solutions through algorithmic enhancements and performance optimization. Evaluate emerging AI technologies through hands-on experimentation and assess their suitability for production environments. Build reusable components, libraries, patterns, and reference implementations to help other teams develop AI-based capabilities. Maintain current knowledge of AI technologies and emerging developments. Collaborate across the enterprise to develop solutions and achieve operational outcomes. Communicate technical decisions, tradeoffs, and risks to technical and non-technical stakeholders. Promote responsible and effective use of AI and demonstrate initiative when working in ambiguous and fast-paced situations.

Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 7+ years of relevant professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.7+ years of professional experience in data science or advanced algorithm development.7+ years of experience building and supporting production algorithms on systems that process real-world data.5+ years of experience designing or building solutions in cloud environments.3+ years of experience with artificial intelligence, machine learning, or related technologies. Demonstrated experience developing AI and machine learning algorithms. Strong understanding of mathematics, artificial intelligence, and signal processing in production algorithms. Experience designing and implementing algorithms using AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform, or similar cloud platforms. Experience building or integrating AI and machine learning capabilities into software systems. Deep expertise in Python, demonstrated through production software development rather than scripts, notebooks, or prototypes alone. Proficiency in at least one systems programming language, such as Rust, Go, C++, or C, with experience applying it to real-world software engineering problems. Experience building and operating distributed or cloud-native production systems. Experience developing algorithms using classical signal processing. Experience taking algorithms from initial development through production deployment and ongoing operation. Ability to diagnose complex production issues across application, infrastructure, data, and integration boundaries. Ability to communicate technical decisions, tradeoffs, and risks clearly to technical and non-technical colleagues.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience building AI models from scratch. Practical experience developing algorithmic solutions using large language models, machine learning models, or managed AI services. Experience working in environments where security, privacy, reliability, or regulatory requirements influence engineering decisions.

Compensation & Benefits: Compensation is determined by factors including work location, education, training, experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel, external market conditions, internal value analysis, seniority, merit systems, and internal pay alignment. Potential short-term and long-term incentives and program-specific awards. Health insurance coverage. Life and disability insurance. Retirement savings plan. Paid holidays and paid time off. Compensation ranges may vary based on contract value and will be aligned with job responsibilities and relevant work experience. Maximus complies with applicable minimum wage rates and exempt salary thresholds.

Location & Work Arrangement: Remote position.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accessibility: Maximus evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals who require assistance during any stage of the employment process due to a disability, medical condition, or physical or mental impairment. Candidates may contact Maximus People Operations for assistance with job postings, assessments, interviews, or other parts of the application process.