AI-ML Developer with Security Clearance

AI-ML Developer:  At B&A, we foster and embrace a distinct set of values that we live by and instill in all aspects of our organization: dedication, commitment, partnership, trust, and recognition. We have incorporated these values into successful delivery for our customers since 1988. B&A believes in ensuring its employees feel deeply connected to B&A, recognizing successes and hard work, and providing continuous opportunities to learn and grow. Our people are entrepreneurial thinkers that combine mindset, vision, and experience to drive value – not only to us as an organization, but to the clients we support. We promote a collaborative culture with our clients, and with each other, as one team working towards a common vision. We’d love for you to join our team!

Job Summary:  B&A is looking for an AI-ML Developer to join a contract with a federal government client in support of an important mission. We are seeking an AI-ML Developer to join our team in Ashburn, Virginia to support the ongoing modernization and maintenance systems for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Qualified applicants may be subject to a security investigation and must meet minimum qualifications for access to classified information. This is a highly technical position; individuals will be screened by peers in a technical review of skills and experience.

Responsibilities:

• Drive a big data approach to execute government requirements to manage and enrich data to gather new insights.
• Develop, train, and deploy advanced AI/ML models, including generative AI techniques like large language models (LLMs).
• Design and implement innovative AI solutions to address complex business challenges, such as natural language processing.
• Optimize model performance, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.
• Develop and maintain user-friendly AI applications and interfaces, including chatbots, virtual assistants, and generative content tools.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate AI solutions into existing systems and workflows.
• Stay up to date with the latest advancements in AI/ML and emerging technologies, such as generative AI and reinforcement learning.
• Conduct research and experiments to explore new AI techniques and applications, including prompt engineering, Advanced RAGs and fine-tuning LLMs.
• Ensure compliance with data privacy and security regulations, especially when dealing with sensitive data and generative AI outputs.
• Responsible for briefing the benefits and constraints of technology solutions to technology partners, stakeholders, team members, and senior levels of management

Education and Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in the Information Technology field focusing on AI/ML engineering projects, MLOps/DevSecOps and technical architecture specifically.
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology Management or Engineering is preferred. Alternative work-related experience, Military Duty, and/or specialized or higher education may be substituted.

Required Skills:

• Database Knowledge: Knowledge of database systems (e.g., SQL, NoSQL) and data warehousing concepts.
• Generative AI Models: Proficiency in developing, deploying, and fine-tuning generative AI models, including large language models (LLMs).
• Programming Languages: Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, Java, and C/C++.
• Front-end Development: Proficiency in any front-end development technologies (e.g., React, Angular, Vue.js, HTML, CSS, JavaScript).
• Data Analytics: Expertise with libraries such as Pandas and NumPy for data manipulation and exploration.
• ML Frameworks: Proficiency in ML Modeling concepts and frameworks like Sklearn, TensorFlow, Keras, PyTorch, and others.
• Data Preprocessing: Strong skills in data encoding, normalizing, and regularizing to prepare datasets for ML models.
• Deep Learning: Solid understanding of deep learning architectures such as CNNs (Convolutional Neural Networks), RNNs (Recurrent Neural Networks), LSTMs (Long Short-Term Memory networks), and GANs (Generative Adversarial Networks), with the ability to apply them to real-world data sets and problems.
• Anomaly Detection: Familiarity with anomaly detection techniques and deep learning models.
• Cloud Platforms: Solid understanding of cloud services, such as AWS, Azure, or GCP, and deployment strategies.

Security Clearance

• Active TS or CBP BI 

More About B&A: Notable Clients
B&A has grown to be a company that is trusted by our clients for exceptional service, innovative solutions, and inspired employees. Our service extends through federal, state, and local Government, the private sector, and higher education. Some of our notable clients include Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Senate, U.S. Courts, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Navy, and more. Benefits and Programs B&A is proud to offer three robust individual and family medical plans to full time employees, including a Health Savings Account (HSA) option as well as two tiers of dental coverage, vision, life & AD&D, disability, accident, hospital indemnity, and critical illness insurance. In addition to these benefits, B&A employees enjoy paid time off, B&A sponsored trainings and certifications, pet insurance benefits, commuter transit benefits and a free subscription to a virtual exercise platform (NEOU). B&A’s 401(k) plan is available to all employees and includes a company matching contribution. B&A has launched several programs to focus on employee engagement, wellness, and assistance. These include:

• The B&A Cares program: 30/60/90-day wellness check ins, personal development, financial management, and stress management seminars, and more
• A formal mentorship program
• Job shadowing and cross training opportunities
• Brand Ambassador program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Access to various support resources to include counseling, legal guidance, financial planning, and more
• Monthly teambuilding events
• B&A Annual Wellness Challenges: #StepWithB&A, #WalkDuringLunchWithB&A, #VolunteeringWithB&A, #ExerciseDuringLunchWithB&A, and more

At B&A, we place significant importance on improving the communities and lives of citizens across the nation through our involvement, technology expertise, and employees. B&A puts an emphasis on charitable efforts in the Northern Virginia area, including Capital Area Food Bank pantry drives, book donations, Hope for Henry Foundation events, and many more. In recognition of all these efforts, B&A has been named a Companies as Responsive Employers (CARE) award recipient by Northern Virginia Family Services and nominated by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce for Outstanding Corporate Citizenship Award. EEO B&A provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. B&A complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy covers conduct occurring at B&A’s offices, and other workplaces (including client sites) and all other locations where B&A is providing services, and to all work-related activities. EEO is the Law B&A participates in e-Verify. We provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s I-9 Form to confirm work authorization.