AI/Machine Learning Engineer Principal

Job ID 2615978Location Chantilly, VA, USDate Posted 2026-08-25Category Engineering and SciencesSubcategory Machine Learning EngineerSchedule Full-TimeShift Day JobTravel Yes - 10% of the timeMinimum Clearance Required TS.SCI_wPolyClearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain NonePotential for Remote Work ORA_ON_SITEDescriptionSAIC seeks an Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Systems Engineer to join our team of professionals providing technical and program services to the U.S. Government (USG). SAIC provides research, engineering, design, analysis, acquisition, development, integration, test, and operations support USG Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) customers.The AI/ML systems engineer sought here serves a USG Program Office leading Research & Development (R&D) of evolutionary, revolutionary, and transformational artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms. This position provides Systems Engineering & Technical Advisory (SETA) support services.Job DescriptionWork with government technical and contracts staff developing program acquisition packages including but not limited to statement of work, Justification & Approval, development of Request for Contract Action Package (RCAP) artifacts, Request For Information (RFI), Request For Proposal (RFP), and executive briefing materialsProvide acquisition advisory services during technical and cost evaluations of RFIs and/or proposals in support of source selectionEvaluation of advanced AI/ML concepts, systems, technologies, designs, architectures, interfaces into space and ground systems.Support Agile SAFe program development processes and activities such as Program Increment (PI) Planning, development of epics, features, and demo coordinationAssist USG Program Office with analysis of alternatives to optimize technical, cost, and schedule performance considerations and improve knowledge and understanding of system, technology, and architecture tradeoffs.Technical and programmatic support through the entire project life cycle including concept development, system definition, acquisition planning, source selection, system design, development, integration and test, system delivery, and deployment.Support systems engineering activities such as risk management, schedule management, and technical performance managementBriefings and reports including technical and programmatic assessments presenting analysis, results, conclusions, and recommendations. Assessment of white papers and vendor marketing materialsQualificationsRequired QualificationsActive TS/SCI clearance with PolyAssist in Interoffice and Interagency coordination and collaborationMust have bachelor’s degree in science, technology, engineering, or math discipline with minimum of nine (9) years of relevant work experience or seven (7) years with master’s degreeDemonstrated acquisition support experience of 5 or more yearsAI/ML experience Proficient skills using Microsoft Office applications (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint)Proficient skills using Jira and Confluence toolsCritical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skillsInterpersonal and communication skills for written reports, group discussion, and oral presentationsDesired QualificationsKnowledge, skills, abilities, and/or experience in one of more of the followingSystems engineering and integration applied to spacecraft, ground, and launch systemsR&D of artificial intelligence/machine learning agentsSystem acquisition, design, development, integration, test, and/or flight operationsArtificial Intelligence and/or Machine Learning technologies applied to space systemsIC mission, organizations, disciplines, systems, and/or processesExperience working as a SETAGeneral understanding of satellite architecture (payloads and bus sub-systems)General understanding of satellite operations (planning & scheduling, mission management, and command and controlTarget salary range $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.