AI / Machine Learning Modeler / Engineer - National Capital Regi with Security Clearance
This role involves developing, deploying, and maintaining advanced AI and machine learning models to support critical government and intelligence missions. The engineer applies various learning techniques to build scalable, reliable models operating in production environments, ensuring high performance and operational readiness. The position requires a security clearance and contributes to advancing government communication capabilities.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, IT.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Overview
Confidential Client is seeking an experienced AI / Machine Learning Modeler / Engineer to design, build, deploy, and maintain high-performance machine learning solutions that support mission-critical government and intelligence programs. The role focuses on supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning approaches and requires working with production systems to ensure reliability, scalability, and operational readiness.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, deploy, and maintain machine learning and AI models based on provided datasets and customer requirements.
- Design experiments, perform hyperparameter tuning, and evaluate models to meet or exceed defined performance metrics.
- Apply supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning techniques to operational problems.
- Monitor models in production for reliability, performance drift, and scalability; implement remediation, retraining, and CI/CD best practices.
- Collaborate with cross-functional engineering and mission teams to translate operational needs into robust ML solutions.
- Document models, assumptions, and operational runbooks for production deployment and sustainment.
Minimum Qualifications
- TS/SCI clearance with polygraph required (additional security screenings may apply).
- Demonstrated experience deploying and operating ML models in production environments.
- Familiarity with supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning methods and model evaluation techniques.
- Experience with hyperparameter tuning and model optimization.
- Strong problem-solving and communication skills appropriate for mission-focused engagements.
Education and experience combinations by level (candidates must meet one of the listed combinations per level):
Entry Level:
- HS/GED + 6 years experience
- Associate's + 4 years experience
- Bachelor's + 2 years experience
- Master's degree (experience may be substituted as appropriate)
Journeyman Level:
- HS/GED + 8 years experience
- Associate's + 6 years experience
- Bachelor's + 4 years experience
- Master's + 2 years experience
Senior Level:
- HS/GED + 10 years experience
- Associate's + 8 years experience
- Bachelor's + 6 years experience
- Master's + 4 years experience
- PhD + 2 years experience
Expert / Master Level:
- HS/GED + 12 years experience
- Associate's + 10 years experience
- Bachelor's + 8 years experience
- Master's + 6 years experience
- PhD + 4 years experience
Preferred / Desirable Skills
- Hands-on experience with MLOps, model monitoring, and CI/CD for ML.
- Experience working with large-scale datasets and production pipelines.
- Familiarity with common ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn) and deployment tools.
- Background supporting government or intelligence missions is a plus.
- Strong software engineering practices: version control, testing, and documentation.
Location & Clearance
- Work location: On-site in West Bethesda, MD (local to the area required).
- Clearance: TS/SCI with polygraph is required and must be current/transferable.
Compensation
- Estimated salary (provided by source): $111,843 per year (estimate). Actual compensation may vary based on level and experience.
Why Join
Work on mission-critical AI systems that directly support government and intelligence operations. Join a team delivering scalable, production-grade ML solutions and contribute to operational readiness and real-world impact.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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