AI Developer I

iCatalyst•Mclean, VA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an AI Developer I to join our growing team in support of our federal program. This is an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies and contribute to impactful, mission-critical initiatives. iCatalyst, Inc. is a next-generation technology company specializing in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Machine Learning (ML), and Robotic Process Automation (RPA). Since 2007, we have partnered with federal and commercial clients to deliver innovative, mission-driven solutions that enhance operational efficiency, digital transformation, and business outcomes. Our solutions are built on a foundation of agility, security, and scalability, guided by our CMMI ML 3 Services and Software Development framework and backed by globally recognized certifications in ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management) and ISO/IEC 27001:2022 (Information Security). Core Capabilities We specialize in AI-Driven Digital Transformation, Cloud and Infrastructure Modernization, Data Engineering and Advanced Analytics, Enterprise IT Modernization and Mission-Focused Program and Change Management.

Requirements

Experience contributing to AI/ML or LLM-based solutions across data ingestion, model development, deployment, and production integration
Strong programming experience in Python with a focus on building AI/ML applications
Experience building LLM-based applications using Azure AI services, such as Azure OpenAI, Azure AI Studio, or Azure AI Search.
Familiarity with supporting APIs, orchestration frameworks, and model libraries, such as OpenAI APIs, LangChain, LlamaIndex, or Hugging Face, is a plus.
Experience developing REST APIs and backend services, using frameworks such as FastAPI, Flask, or similar
Experience in data processing and manipulation using tools such as Pandas and NumPy or similar
Experience integrating AI capabilities into production applications
Familiarity with cloud-native development practices and CI/CD pipelines
Familiarity with low-code/no-code platforms (Appian, UiPath, Pega) is a plus
Understanding of secure development practices and enterprise environments (NIST/FedRAMP awareness preferred)
Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and deliver high-quality work in fast-paced environments
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently on assigned tasks while collaborating effectively and seeking guidance when needed
Strong attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and quality
Effective communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate technical concepts to diverse stakeholders
Adaptable and flexible, with ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively across cross-functional teams
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
4-7 years of software development experience, including experience with AI/ML solutions
Experience building and deploying AI/ML or LLM-based applications
Experience integrating AI capabilities into enterprise applications or systems
Experience with .NET/C# environments is a plus, particularly for integrating AI services into existing applications
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related STEM field from an accredited university with minimum 4 years of experience, or an MS/MA degree in a related field with minimum 3 years of experience.
U.S. Citizenship required
Ability to successfully pass a federal background check

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with supporting APIs, orchestration frameworks, and model libraries, such as OpenAI APIs, LangChain, LlamaIndex, or Hugging Face, is a plus.
Familiarity with low-code/no-code platforms (Appian, UiPath, Pega) is a plus
NIST/FedRAMP awareness preferred
Experience with .NET/C# environments is a plus, particularly for integrating AI services into existing applications
Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate
Other relevant AI/ML or cloud certifications preferred: Appian/Pega/UiPath Developer, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert, or Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect.
Proven ability to work in fast-paced, client-focused environments.
Experience supporting federal programs preferred.

Responsibilities

Support the design, development, testing, and deployment of AI-powered applications using Azure AI services, including: Azure OpenAI Service, Azure AI Studio, Azure AI Search (vector search), Cognitive Services (as applicable)
Contribute across the development lifecycle for AI solutions, from prototyping and model development through deployment and production integration, with guidance from senior team members as needed
Design, develop, and integrate AI-powered capabilities using or in conjunction with low-code/no-code platforms (e.g., Appian, UiPath, Pega) to enable scalable automation and workflow solutions
Build and implement LLM-based solutions, including: Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), Intelligent chatbots / copilots, AI-driven automation tools
Develop scalable backend services and APIs to support AI functionality using technologies such as Python
Build and maintain data pipelines for ingestion, transformation, and inference using Azure data services (e.g., Blob Storage, Data Lake)
Apply prompt engineering, model evaluation, and optimization techniques to improve performance, accuracy, and usability of AI solutions
Integrate AI capabilities into existing enterprise applications, including .NET-based systems where applicable
Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, product, DevOps, UX) to implement and support AI features in production environments
Contribute to CI/CD pipelines and deployment workflows using Azure DevOps or similar tools
Maintain lightweight technical documentation (e.g., architecture overviews, API documentation, key design decisions) to support development and knowledge sharing
Ensure solutions follow secure coding practices and align with applicable enterprise security guidelines (e.g., NIST, FedRAMP awareness)
Provide support and expertise in assigned domain.
Collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver solutions.
Ensure adherence to security, compliance, and quality standards.
Support continuous improvement and innovation initiatives.
Special projects as needed.

Benefits

variety of medical plan options, some with Health Savings Accounts
a dental plan option
a vision plan
a 401(k)-plan offering the ability to contribute both pre- and post-tax dollars up to the IRS annual limits and receive a company match.
variety of paid time off plans, including vacation, sick, 11 Federal holidays, military, bereavement and jury duty leave.
short and long-term disability benefits
life, accidental death and dismemberment, insurance are provided or available.
Phone and internet Reimbursement for eligible employees
Transportation Support (Uber rides to & from HQ to select locations)
Training & Education Assistance (per eligibility)
Annual Wellness Benefit
Social and Community giveback