Senior AI Engineer/Software Developer - TS/SCI with Polygraph

Senior AI EngineerWe are seeking a senior AI Engineer to lead the design, development, and secure integration of AI and machine learning capabilities into mission systems operating on classified networks. This is a hands-on technical leadership role: you will establish the architectural patterns, governance alignment, and engineering standards for AI-enabled features across the program, and grow a small team over time. You will work directly with program leadership, government stakeholders, and security/accreditation authorities to deliver AI capabilities that are effective, auditable, and compliant within a high-side environment.Key ResponsibilitiesArchitect, build, and maintain AI-enabled applications and services within air-gapped and government cloud environmentsDeploy, serve, and tune large language models and ML models on-premises or in accredited cloud enclaves (no external API dependency)Design retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines and embedding workflows over controlled data sets, with appropriate data handling and classification controlsOperationalize the program's AI governance framework: model capability tiering, use-case approval workflow, rules of engagement, and audit/logging requirementsSupport security accreditation activities, including AO engagement, RMF documentation inputs, and responsible AI evidenceBuild and optimize data pipelines feeding AI-driven features; integrate with existing program systems and workflowsEstablish code quality, testing, and documentation standards for the AI engineering function; mentor mid-level developers as the team growsBrief technical approach and results to program leadership and government customersRequired QualificationsActive TS/SCI with polygraph8+ years of professional software development experience (or 6+ with a relevant advanced degree), including 3+ years building or integrating ML/AI capabilitiesExpert-level Python; working proficiency in at least one additional language (JavaScript/TypeScript, Java, or similar)Demonstrated experience deploying or serving LLMs or ML models in disconnected, on-premises, or government cloud environments (Azure Government, AWS GovCloud, or equivalent)Practical experience with model inference, embeddings, vector search, and prompt engineering in production systemsExperience with containerization (Docker/Kubernetes or equivalent) and CI/CD in restricted environmentsStrong understanding of data security, classification handling, and responsible AI practicesProven ability to work directly with government customers and translate mission requirements into technical solutionsPreferred QualificationsExperience supporting RMF accreditation or AO engagement for AI/ML systemsFamiliarity with open-weight model deployment (Llama, Mistral, or similar) and model quantization/optimization for constrained hardwareExperience with ML frameworks (PyTorch preferred)Prior work on IC or DoD programs; NRO experience a significant plusExperience standing up or leading a small engineering teamGDIT IS YOUR PLACE At GDIT, the mission is our purpose, and our people are at the center of everything we do.Growth: AI-powered career tool that identifies career steps and learning opportunitiesSupport: An internal mobility team focused on helping you achieve your career goalsRewards: Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages, 401K with company match, and competitive pay and paid time offCommunity: Award-winning culture of innovation and a military-friendly workplaceExplore a career in program management at GDIT and you'll find endless opportunities to grow alongside colleagues who share your passion for the mission and delivering results. The likely salary range for this position is $164,382 - $218,500. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range. Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Travel Required: None Telecommuting Options: Onsite Work Location: USA VA Chantilly