AI/ML Developer with Security Clearance

Description SAIC is building an early-career AI/ML Developer team within our Solutions and Technology Group, reporting to the Intel Space CTO. In this matrixed role, you will support the creation, prototyping, and operationalization of cutting-edge AI/ML Proof of Concepts (PoCs)-including GenAI/LLMs, NLP, and computer vision-specifically tailored to Intelligence Community (IC) mission use cases. These are dynamic, high-impact positions supporting multiple IC programs in both unclassified and classified environments. This is a hybrid role for candidates residing in the Northern Virginia corridor, with on-site work in SCIFs and customer facilities as needed. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Rapid PoC & demo prototyping (≈50%): Assist senior developers in designing, coding, and deploying visual AI/ML prototypes (GenAI/LLMs, NLP, computer vision) to address IC mission needs.
• Environment setup: Help configure and maintain development environments and local tooling for both unclassified and SCIF-based AI development.
• Secure deployment & MLOps (≈30%): Collaborate with senior engineers to containerize applications (e.g., Docker) and package models for deployment into secure environments.
• Pipeline integration: Assist in integrating prototypes into CI/CD pipelines and deploying them into secure, multi-tenant cloud environments (AWS and/or Azure).
• Demos & stakeholder support (≈20%): Prepare prototype environments for customer demonstrations and ensure codebases are clean, well-structured, and well-commented.
• Documentation: Draft clear technical documentation, API guides, and system diagrams to support the transition of prototypes into operational systems. Qualifications
• Residency in the Northern Virginia corridor with the ability to support a hybrid work model (remote plus on-site SCIF/customer locations as required).
• Active Top Secret clearance with the ability to obtain SCI access.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or related technical discipline and 2+ years of relevant software or AI/ML experience.
• OR Master's degree in a related technical discipline with 0+ years of relevant experience.
• Foundational proficiency in Python and core software engineering practices (e.g., Git-based version control, unit testing, clean code architectures).
• Hands-on exposure to at least one major ML framework (e.g., PyTorch or TensorFlow) through coursework, personal projects, internships, or professional tasks.

Clearance Requirements

• Active Top Secret clearance with the ability to obtain SCI access.
• TS/SCI strongly preferred and may be required for specific program tasking.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Docker and basic cloud concepts in AWS and/or Azure.
• Experience using lightweight frontend tools or frameworks (e.g., React) to build functional, interactive user interfaces for demonstrations.
• Familiarity with Intelligence Community missions, environments, and workflows.

Physical Requirements

• Works primarily in an office, lab, or SCIF environment using computers and standard office equipment.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer workstation.
• May require occasional lifting of laptops and related equipment (up to ~20 lbs).
• Ability to commute to Northern Virginia-area SAIC and customer facilities and to travel occasionally to other customer sites as required by the program. Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.