The Role
Engineer, deploy, and maintain enterprise AI applications and LLM integrations in secure, high-stakes environments. Responsibilities include integrating AI with legacy systems and APIs, managing Docker and Kubernetes platforms, supporting offensive and defensive cyber operations, designing secure cloud and data architectures, and mentoring engineers. The role requires extensive software or systems engineering experience, cyber operations expertise, an active TS/SCI with full-scope polygraph, and full-time onsite work in Chantilly, Virginia.
Summary Generated by Built In
REQUIRED: Active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph
LOCATION: Full-time onsite in Chantilly, VA
We are seeking a seasoned AI Developer/Engineer with the depth, discipline, and mission‑focused mindset to build and sustain enterprise‑grade systems in high‑stakes environments. In this role, you will engineer, deploy, and maintain complex applications while supporting offensive and defensive cyber operations, ensuring systems remain resilient, secure, and operational under pressure.
Who We Are:
We offer advanced services in data science, data engineering, software engineering, AI solutions, cybersecurity, staff augmentation, and IT program management.
Passionate Integrity, Driven by Excellence
Ardent Principles offers a competitive salary range and a comprehensive, industry‑leading benefits package designed to support long‑term stability and employee well‑being. We provide more than a position—we offer a workplace committed to excellence, integrity, and mission‑focused impact. Our mission is to act as a bridge between satisfied clients and fulfilled employees, ensuring that your job and well-being are our top priorities because your satisfaction leads to the success of our clients.
Join us as we continue building the future of secure, high‑impact solutions.
LOCATION: Full-time onsite in Chantilly, VA
We are seeking a seasoned AI Developer/Engineer with the depth, discipline, and mission‑focused mindset to build and sustain enterprise‑grade systems in high‑stakes environments. In this role, you will engineer, deploy, and maintain complex applications while supporting offensive and defensive cyber operations, ensuring systems remain resilient, secure, and operational under pressure.
Who We Are:
We offer advanced services in data science, data engineering, software engineering, AI solutions, cybersecurity, staff augmentation, and IT program management.
Passionate Integrity, Driven by Excellence
Ardent Principles offers a competitive salary range and a comprehensive, industry‑leading benefits package designed to support long‑term stability and employee well‑being. We provide more than a position—we offer a workplace committed to excellence, integrity, and mission‑focused impact. Our mission is to act as a bridge between satisfied clients and fulfilled employees, ensuring that your job and well-being are our top priorities because your satisfaction leads to the success of our clients.
Join us as we continue building the future of secure, high‑impact solutions.
Key Responsibilities
In this challenging yet rewarding role, you are an integral part of what brings our Company's mission to life. You must have the following required skills, certifications and demonstrated experience in and/or with:
- 7+ years’ experience in software development or systems engineering, building, deploying, and maintaining enterprise-grade applications.
- 5+ years’ experience supporting offensive or defensive cyber operations.
- Integrating modern AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) into existing legacy architectures, APIs, and enterprise systems.
- Working with containerization, orchestration, and cluster management platforms, including Docker and Kubernetes
- Knowledge of zero-trust architecture, secure API gateways, and data governance controls for AI/LLM deployments.
- Knowledge of cloud infrastructure services, such as AWS, Azure, or GCP, optimized for AI/ML and distributed processing such as GPU instances, vCPUs, and high-speed networking fabrics.
- Knowledge of network engineering fundamentals, low-latency protocols, system security, and data pipeline architectures supporting model inference and training.
- Ability to collaborate with cross-functional technical teams, translate complex client requirements into scalable system designs, and mentor junior engineers.
Highly Desired Qualifications
Other skills and demonstrated experiences with or in the following are highly desired but not mandatory to perform the work include:
- Working with MLOps/LLMOps tools and CI/CD pipelines,
such as MLflow, Kubeflow, or GitLab CI. - Working with high-performance networking, software, and hardware.
- Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or Systems Engineering.
- Professional certification in Cloud Architecture or DevOps, such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, or CKA.
What We Offer You
- Highly Competitive Salary: Recognizing and rewarding your expertise and contributions.
- Generous Paid Time Off: Providing ample time for rest, relaxation, and personal pursuits.
- Dedicated Training Budget: Supporting continuous learning and professional development.
- 100% Employer-Covered Family Vision, Dental, and Health Insurance: Ensuring comprehensive health coverage for you and your family.
- 100% Employer-Covered Life and Disability Insurance: Offering financial security and peace of mind.
- 401(k) Plan with a 6% Employer Match: Helping you plan and save for a secure retirement, with 100% vesting from day one.
- 11 Paid Government Holidays: Observing national holidays to ensure time off with family and friends.
- Spot Bonuses for Exceptional Performance: Rewarding outstanding contributions and achievements.
SCHEDULE:
This is a full-time position with consultants expected to be available and working onsite in Chantilly, VA during core hours.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Join us and be part of a team dedicated to driving positive change through technology. Apply now with our easy 3-minute, mobile-friendly initial application process. Your future starts here!
About
At Ardent Principles, we're more than just a technology company - we're a team of innovators, problem-solvers, and collaborators dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Our mission is to empower organizations with transformative IT solutions and program management services, while our values of integrity, excellence, and teamwork guide everything we do. We foster a culture of open communication, where every voice is heard, and every idea is valued. Join us and be part of a company where your contributions truly make a difference.
Skills Required
- Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance with full-scope polygraph
- Full-time onsite availability in Chantilly, Virginia
- 7 or more years of software development or systems engineering experience building, deploying, and maintaining enterprise-grade applications
- 5 or more years supporting offensive or defensive cyber operations
- Experience integrating modern AI and large language models into legacy architectures, APIs, and enterprise systems
- Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, containerization, orchestration, and cluster management
- Knowledge of zero-trust architecture, secure API gateways, and AI/LLM data governance controls
- Knowledge of AWS, Azure, or GCP cloud infrastructure optimized for AI/ML and distributed processing
- Knowledge of network engineering fundamentals, low-latency protocols, system security, and data pipeline architectures
- Ability to collaborate with cross-functional technical teams and translate client requirements into scalable system designs
- Ability to mentor junior engineers
- Experience with MLOps/LLMOps tools and CI/CD pipelines, including MLflow, Kubeflow, or GitLab CI
- Experience with high-performance networking, software, and hardware
- Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or Systems Engineering
- Professional cloud architecture or DevOps certification, such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, or CKA
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The Company
What We Do
Ardent Principles, Inc. is a people-focused IT and management consulting firm for commercial and government clients, specializing in IT services and program management, and offering advanced services in data science, data engineering, software engineering, AI solutions, cybersecurity, and staff augmentation.
