AI Architect

Acuity INC•, DC

11h

About The Position

Acuity is looking for an AI Architect that will lead the design, development, and implementation of secure, scalable artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions supporting U.S. federal agency missions. This role operates within highly regulated environments and requires deep expertise in cloud architecture, data governance, and compliance frameworks. The AI Architect will ensure all solutions meet federal security standards while delivering actionable intelligence and automation capabilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or related field
8+ years of experience in software engineering, data engineering, or machine learning
3+ years of experience architecting AI/ML solutions in government or highly regulated environments
Strong experience with secure system design and compliance-driven architecture
Proficiency in Python, Java, or similar languages
Experience working in Agile and/or DevSecOps environments
AI/ML frameworks: TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn
Experience with large language models (LLMs) and generative AI in secure environments
Data platforms: Databricks, Spark, Hadoop (with secure configurations)
MLOps tools with compliance tracking (model versioning, lineage, explainability)
API and microservices architecture in zero-trust environments
Experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) in secure clusters
Knowledge of Zero Trust Architecture and secure data pipelines
Strong familiarity with: FISMA, NIST 800-53, DoD 8570 / 8140, FedRAMP Moderate/High baselines
Experience handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and classified data
Understanding of Authority to Operate (ATO) processes
Active security clearance (Secret or Top Secret; TS/SCI clearance preferred) or eligibility to obtain one

Nice To Haves

Prior experience supporting agencies such as Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, or Intelligence Community organizations
Experience with contract vehicles (e.g., GWACs, IDIQs) and federal procurement processes
Background in mission areas such as cybersecurity, intelligence analysis, or logistics
Experience contributing to technical proposals (RFP/RFQ responses)
CompTIA Security+
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty (GovCloud experience preferred)
Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate (Azure Government)
Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer
TOGAF
AWS/Azure/GCP Solutions Architect certifications

Responsibilities

Architect and implement AI/ML solutions aligned with federal mission objectives (e.g., defense, intelligence, civilian agencies)
Design secure AI systems compliant with federal frameworks such as NIST Risk Management Framework and FedRAMP
Lead development of AI solutions in classified, controlled unclassified (CUI), or high-security environments
Integrate AI/ML capabilities into existing enterprise architectures and legacy government systems
Define AI governance, model risk management, and responsible AI practices in accordance with federal guidelines
Collaborate with program managers, contracting officers, cybersecurity teams, and mission stakeholders
Guide cloud-based AI deployments in GovCloud environments (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government)
Oversee MLOps pipelines with auditability, traceability, and compliance in mind
Ensure data handling aligns with federal data privacy and security regulations
Provide technical leadership across cross-functional contractor and government teams
Support proposal development, technical volumes, and solution architecture for new contract bids