Sr. AI Technical Lead & Data Developer (REMOTE)

Koniag Government Services, LLC•Albuquerque, NM

3d•$150,000 - $175,000•Remote

About The Position

Koniag Professional Services, LLC, a Koniag Government Services company, is hiring a Sr. AI Technical Lead & Data Developer to support KPS and a federal customer on a Department of the Interior (DOI) modernization initiative. This remote, hands-on role bridges AI implementation and data engineering. The successful candidate will lead the technical direction of AI initiatives while developing Python code, optimizing SQL databases, and integrating data pipelines within a Microsoft Azure and Power Platform ecosystem. The position requires the ability to obtain a DOI Public Trust clearance. The role involves leading AI initiatives from conception through deployment, building practical AI/ML solutions, translating DOI stakeholder needs into technical solutions, and designing and maintaining data pipelines and database structures. It also includes developing production-ready Python code, optimizing SQL, architecting Azure data environments, and connecting backend systems to Power Apps and Power Automate workflows. Koniag Government Services is an Alaska Native-owned corporation that supports federal agencies through enterprise solutions, professional services, and operational management. The company describes its culture as agile and committed to exceptional service, continuous improvement, and the interests of its customers, employees, and native communities.

Requirements

At least 8–10 years of experience in data development, software engineering, or data engineering.
At least 3 years leading technical AI/ML projects.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Expert-level Python programming focused on data manipulation, including Pandas and NumPy, and AI frameworks.
Strong database engineering background with advanced SQL proficiency, data modeling, and performance tuning.
Hands-on experience developing in Microsoft Azure, including Azure SQL, Azure Synapse, or Azure OpenAI services.
Proven experience integrating backend data structures and APIs with Microsoft Power Apps and Power Automate.
Ability to clear a federal background investigation to obtain a DOI Public Trust clearance.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience supporting the Department of the Interior or other federal agencies as a government contractor.
Relevant certifications, such as Azure Data Engineer Associate or Azure AI Engineer Associate.
Experience implementing Generative AI, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), or LLM orchestration frameworks such as LangChain or Semantic Kernel.

Responsibilities

Lead AI initiatives from conception to deployment and serve as the primary technical point of contact for the DOI customer.
Build and deploy practical AI/ML solutions using Python, Azure Cognitive Services, OpenAI API, or open-source frameworks.
Translate DOI stakeholder business requirements into scalable technical AI and data solutions.
Design, build, and maintain data pipelines, ETL/ELT processes, and database schemas.
Write production-ready Python code for data manipulation, automation, and AI integration.
Develop and optimize complex SQL queries, stored procedures, and relational database structures.
Architect data environments within Microsoft Azure, including Azure SQL, Data Factory, and Blob Storage.
Connect data backends with Power Apps and Power Automate workflows to deliver user-facing AI tools.