Senior AI Engineer / Software Developer

General Dynamics Information Technology is 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 role emphasizes architecture, engineering standards, and governance alignment, along with close collaboration with government stakeholders and security or accreditation authorities.

Working onsite in Chantilly, Virginia, you will help operationalize AI solutions in disconnected environments, including accredited cloud enclaves, while supporting program security and responsible AI expectations.

What you’ll do

• Architect, build, and maintain AI-enabled applications and services for air-gapped and government cloud environments
• Deploy, serve, and tune large language models and ML models on-premises or in accredited cloud enclaves without relying on external API dependencies
• Design retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines and embedding workflows using controlled datasets, including data handling and classification controls
• Operationalize the AI governance framework, including model capability tiering, use-case approval workflows, rules of engagement, and audit and logging requirements
• Support security accreditation activities, including AO engagement and inputs for RMF documentation, along with responsible AI evidence
• Build and optimize data pipelines that feed AI-driven features and integrate with existing program systems and workflows
• Set AI engineering standards for code quality, testing, and documentation, and mentor mid-level developers as the team grows
• Brief technical approach, progress, and results to program leadership and government customers

Requirements

• Active TS/SCI with polygraph to start
• Security+CE or other IAT Level II or higher certification required to start
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 8+ years of professional software development experience (or 6+ years with a relevant advanced degree), including 3+ years building or integrating ML/AI capabilities
• Expert-level Python; working proficiency in at least one additional language such as JavaScript/TypeScript, Java, or similar
• Experience deploying or serving LLMs or ML models in disconnected/on-premises or government cloud environments such as Azure Government or AWS GovCloud (or equivalent)
• Practical production experience with model inference, embeddings, vector search, and prompt engineering
• Experience with containerization (Docker/Kubernetes or equivalent) and CI/CD in restricted environments
• Strong understanding of data security, classification handling, and responsible AI practices
• Ability to work directly with government customers and translate mission requirements into technical solutions

Technologies

• Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML)
• Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, Java
• Large language models, ML models
• Retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), embeddings, vector search, prompt engineering
• Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD
• Azure Government, AWS GovCloud
• PyTorch, model quantization/optimization
• Llama, Mistral

Clearance and logistics

• Clearance level: Top Secret SCI + Polygraph
• Location: Chantilly, Virginia (onsite)
• Travel required: None
• Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship Required
• Requisition type: Regular
• Req#: RQ225685
• Public trust: None

Compensation and benefits

• Salary range: USD 164,382 - 218,500 per year
• 401K with company match and competitive pay
• Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages
• Paid time off
• Internal mobility support focused on career goals
• AI-powered career tool to identify career steps and learning opportunities
• Award-winning culture of innovation and a military-friendly workplace

Identity verification

The hiring process includes an identity verification step using advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. Candidates are expected to be on camera during virtual interviews, and the company reserves the right to take a picture to verify identity and prevent fraud. Applicants authorize collection, processing, and use of biometric data for identity verification and security purposes.