AI Engineer - Senior with Security Clearance

Job Description
Gridiron IT is seeking an AI Engineer Senior to support a federal program in Chantilly, VA Chantilly, VA
Bachelors required
8 years experience minimum Designs, develops, and deploys scalable, production-ready AI, machine learning (ML), and generative AI systems by building data pipelines for model training, evaluation, and inference, implementing algorithms in languages like Python, and operationalizing models using MLOps, CI/CD, containerization, and monitoring frameworks.

This role designs and maintains APIs and microservices, optimizes models for accuracy, latency, and scalability, and ensures compliance with established AI governance, documentation, and ethical standards. Personnel must possess advanced Python programming skills and practical experience with ML frameworks, a solid understanding of data structures, algorithms, and distributed systems, and hands-on familiarity with cloud platforms.

Requirements include proven experience deploying production-level GenAI models, vector databases, embeddings, or LLM-based applications, alongside technical competence in agentic AI, tool-calling, or multi-step reasoning, working knowledge of MLOps platforms, a background in NLP, computer vision, or reinforcement learning, and experience operating within agile engineering teams. • Advanced Python skills and strong understanding of algorithms, data structures, and distributed systems.

• Hands-on experience deploying production GenAI/LLM systems, embeddings, and vector databases.
• Proficiency with PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit learn, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
• Practical experience with MLOps tools such as MLflow, Azure ML, or Vertex AI.
• Background in NLP, computer vision, or reinforcement learning.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in federal, defense, or highly regulated environments.
• Knowledge of ethical AI, governance frameworks, and secure development practices.
• Skills in large-scale optimization, GPU acceleration, or distributed training.
• Experience building APIs, microservices, and automated ML workflows. Clearance

Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; Top Secret clearance required Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range: (Compensation is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, work experience, skills, education, certifications, seniority, and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.) Benefits: Gridiron offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), disability & ADD insurance, life and pet insurance to eligible employees. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 30 hours per week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Gridiron’s benefits programs. Gridiron IT Solutions is an

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status or disability status. Gridiron IT is a Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area that supports our clients' missions throughout the United States. Gridiron IT specializes in providing comprehensive IT services tailored to meet the needs of federal agencies.

Our capabilities include IT Infrastructure & Cloud Services, Cyber Security, Software Integration & Development, Data Solution & AI, and Enterprise Applications. These capabilities are backed by Gridiron IT's experienced workforce and our commitment to ensuring we meet and exceed our clients' expectations.