AI and Innovation Lead

The Civil Solutions Business Area within the Health and Civil Sector is seeking an energetic and dynamic Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Innovation Lead.  As the AI and Innovation Lead, you will be a key strategic leader spearheading the identification, evaluation, and integration of cutting-edge AI/ML tools, processes, and technologies across the entire Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC). The ideal candidate will drive transformative change through the introduction of AI innovations in systems engineering, software development, integration, and testing. In this role, you will also be responsible for leading the transition of these technologies and best practices into actionable solutions that enhance efficiency, quality, and productivity within the organization.

AI and Innovation Lead Responsibilities:

• Research and stay up to date with the latest trends and advancements in AI/ML and software development technologies.
• Lead the identification, evaluation and integration of emerging AI/ML tools, methodologies, and processes applicable to the SDLC into use on both existing and future opportunity projects
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to determine opportunities for implementing AI/ML in systems engineering, software development, integration, and test processes.
• Propose and design innovative AI/ML solutions that streamline workflows, improve quality, reduce errors, and increase efficiency throughout the software development lifecycle.

• Develop strategies for incorporating AI-driven automation and intelligence into core software engineering processes (e.g., requirement analysis, coding, testing, deployment).

• Lead the transition of identified AI/ML technologies, tools, and best practices into the organization’s workflows.
• Collaborate with various teams to ensure the successful adoption and integration of new AI solutions.
• Develop and implement training programs, documentation, and workflows to promote the adoption of AI-driven methodologies.
• Work closely with stakeholders to ensure that AI applications align with business goals, technical standards, and user requirements.

• Leverage data insights to refine and optimize integration and testing procedures, ensuring high-quality software delivery.
• Measure and track the impact of AI/ML implementations to demonstrate measurable improvements in efficiency, cost savings, and quality.

• Act as the subject matter expert (SME) on AI/ML technologies and their applications within the organization.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to internal teams to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement.
• Work with key stakeholders, including product management, engineering, and quality assurance teams, to align on priorities and drive successful AI adoption.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher in computer science, Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science or related field from an accredited college or university and 15+ years of direct work experience. Other level of degrees may be considered based on related experience.

• Strong background in the full software development lifecycle, including systems engineering, software development, integration, and testing.
• US Citizenship with ability to attain a Public Trust security clearance.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and integrate AI/ML tools into business processes, particularly in the software development and testing domains.
• Experience with AI/ML frameworks, tools, and libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, etc.) as well as integration into enterprise software environments.

• Strong understanding of machine learning algorithms, deep learning, natural language processing (NLP), and data analytics.
• Familiarity with DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, and automation in software engineering.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, Java, or similar.
• Experience with multiple software development methodologies and how AI can be applied to these frameworks.

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to communicate complex AI concepts in clear, accessible language.
• Proven leadership skills and ability to collaborate with diverse teams across multiple departments and geographic locations.
• Ability to lead the change management process and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

• Industry-recognized AI/ML certification
• Recognized expert technologist with 10+ years’ experience in AI/ML leading-edge technologies
• Experience with cloud-based AI/ML platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
• Familiarity with automation testing tools and frameworks.

Location:

• Gaithersburg, MD

Original Posting:February 28, 2025

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $148,850.00 - $269,075.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.