Applied AI Engineer

An Applied AI Engineer at Booz Allen Hamilton supports national security mission work by building and sustaining machine learning systems that learn from data. In this role, you will train, test, deploy, and maintain models while shaping the technical direction of critical solutions using best-fit ML algorithms and technologies.

This position is based in Fort Belvoir, VA (onsite) and supports clients and mission partners as they translate operational needs into practical, business-facing AI capabilities.

What you will do

• Train, test, deploy, and maintain models that learn from data.
• Own and define the direction of critical solutions by applying best-fit machine learning algorithms and technologies.
• Collaborate with data engineers, data scientists, solutions architects, and MLOps engineers, including work involving data processing and information at massive scale.
• Guide clients through the AI and ML landscape, including algorithms, tools, and frameworks.
• Solve real-world challenges and define AI strategy for national security customers.

Required qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in software engineering, applied AI and ML, or full-stack development, including AI integrations.
• Experience rapidly prototyping, developing, and iterating on use-case-specific AI solutions, including chat systems, user-facing applications, and domain-specific copilots.
• Experience conducting comprehensive evaluation and tuning of AI outputs, including refining prompts, optimizing retrieval logic, and implementing custom heuristics.
• Experience with Python and building API endpoints such as FastAPI or Flask, or rapid UI frameworks such as Streamlit or Gradio to demonstrate AI capabilities.
• Ability to work closely with Mission Integration teams and product stakeholders to translate mission needs into refined, business-facing AI capabilities.
• Ability to pivot quickly between different domains and use cases, adapting AI solutions to various operational requirements.
• TS/SCI clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree.

Technologies

• Python
• FastAPI
• Flask
• Streamlit
• Gradio
• API endpoints

Nice to have

• Experience with human-in-the-loop (HITL) evaluation, AI red teaming, or assessing conversational interfaces for safety and hallucination mitigation.
• Experience with front-end development technologies such as React or TypeScript to support end-to-end user-facing product delivery.
• Experience deploying and managing analytical dashboards or mechanisms to track user interactions and model performance.
• Knowledge of user experience (UX) best practices, including conversational AI and generative interfaces.
• Security+ Certification.

Compensation

Salary at Booz Allen is determined by factors including location, education, knowledge, skills, competencies, experience, contract-specific affordability, and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $99,000.00 to $225,000.00 (annualized USD).

Benefits

• Health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits
• Paid leave
• Professional development
• Tuition assistance
• Work-life programs
• Dependent care
• Recognition awards program
• Participation in Booz Allen’s benefit programs for full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis

Clearance and investigation

Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. TS/SCI clearance is required.

Identity verification

• Complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud.
• You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments.
• Booz Allen reserves the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.

Candidate AI usage policy

Use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.

Work model

Onsite: Work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility.

Commitment to non-discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.