Senior AI Engineer / Software Developer

General Dynamics Information Technology is seeking a Senior AI Engineer / Software Developer in Chantilly, VA for an onsite role supporting classified mission environments. This position focuses on designing, building, and securely integrating AI and machine learning capabilities into air-gapped and government cloud systems, while aligning with governance, security, and accreditation expectations.

Role overview

You will help establish architectural patterns and engineering standards for AI-enabled applications, including the operationalization of AI governance and the deployment of large language model and machine learning capabilities without external API dependencies. The work includes building AI data pipelines, integrating with existing program systems, and briefing technical approach and outcomes to program leadership and government customers. You will also grow and mentor a small team while coordinating with government stakeholders and security/accreditation authorities.

Responsibilities

• Architect, build, and maintain AI-enabled applications and services within air-gapped and government cloud environments
• Deploy, serve, and tune large language models and other ML models on-premises or in accredited cloud enclaves with no external API dependency
• Design retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines and embedding workflows using controlled datasets, including appropriate data handling and classification controls
• Operationalize the program’s AI governance framework, including model capability tiering, use-case approval workflow, rules of engagement, and audit/logging requirements
• Support security accreditation activities, including AO engagement, RMF documentation inputs, and responsible AI evidence
• Build and optimize data pipelines for AI-driven features and integrate them into existing program systems and workflows
• Establish code quality, testing, and documentation standards for the AI engineering function and mentor mid-level developers as the team grows
• Brief technical approach and results to program leadership and government customers

Required qualifications

• 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 and working proficiency in at least one additional language (JavaScript/TypeScript, Java, or similar)
• Demonstrated experience deploying or serving LLMs or ML models in disconnected, on-premises, or government cloud environments (Azure Government, AWS GovCloud, or equivalent)
• Practical experience with model inference, embeddings, vector search, and prompt engineering in production systems
• Experience with containerization (Docker/Kubernetes or equivalent) and CI/CD in restricted environments
• Strong understanding of data security, classification handling, and responsible AI practices
• Proven 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

Benefits

• Growth: AI-powered career tool that identifies career steps and learning opportunities
• Support: An internal mobility team focused on helping you achieve your career goals
• Rewards: Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages, 401K with company match, and competitive pay and paid time off
• Community: Award-winning culture of innovation and a military-friendly workplace

Compensation and clearance

• Salary range: USD 164,382 - 218,500 per yearly
• Clearance level: Top Secret SCI + Polygraph

Location: Chantilly, Virginia (onsite). Requisition: RQ225685. Requisition type: Regular. Travel: None. Public trust: None. Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship Required.

Identity verification process

• Identity verification process leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud
• Expected to be on camera during virtual interviews
• Company may reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud
• Authorize collection, processing, and use of biometric data for identity verification and security purposes