Overview
At Credence, we support our clients’ mission-critical needs, powered by technology. We provide cutting-edge solutions, including AI/ML, enterprise modernization, and advanced intelligence capabilities, to the largest defense and health federal organizations. Through partnership and trust, we increase mission success for warfighters and secure our nation for a better future.
We are privately held, are repeatedly recognized as a top place to work, and have been on the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies list for the last 12 years. We practice servant leadership and believe that by focusing on the success of our clients, team members, and partners, we all achieve greater success.
Position Summary
Credence has an immediate need for a Senior AI Technical Lead to support our AI and Automation practice, delivering advanced AI/ML solutions for the Department of Defense (DoD) and U.S. Air Force programs. This role is pivotal in designing, developing, and deploying mission-critical AI capabilities that enhance operational effectiveness, resilience, and security for warfighters and federal stakeholders. You will lead cross-functional teams, shape technical strategy, and mentor engineers in a dynamic, mission-driven environment supporting Air Force and DoD modernization initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design, development, and deployment of scalable AI/ML models and systems tailored to DoD and Air Force operational requirements.
- Translate complex mission needs into technical solutions supporting Air Force core functions, including autonomy, human-machine teaming, and decision support.
- Oversee the full AI/ML lifecycle: architecture, experimentation, rapid prototyping, and performance optimization, ensuring alignment with DoD acquisition and risk management frameworks.
- Collaborate with DevOps, Data Engineering, and Cybersecurity teams to integrate AI into secure, production-grade environments, leveraging Air Force technology stacks (e.g., Cloud One, DISA, DevSecOps CI/CD).
- Ensure all solutions meet DoD and Air Force security, compliance, and cloud architecture standards (RMF, FedRAMP, Zero Trust, CDAO guidance).
- Provide technical mentorship, conduct code/design reviews, and foster a culture of responsible AI and ethical innovation.
- Research and evaluate emerging AI/ML tools, technologies, and frameworks to drive innovation and maintain competitive advantage for the Air Force.
- Support implementation of Air Force and DoD AI initiatives, including AI Accelerator, Phantom Fellowship, and digital modernization programs.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in AI, Machine Learning, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 5+ years of hands-on experience in AI/ML solution development, preferably supporting DoD, Air Force, or federal programs.
- Demonstrated experience leading technical teams and architecting solutions in Agile/SAFe environments.
- Strong understanding of agentic AI (Transformers, Model Context Protocol, Agent2Agent Protocol, LangGraph, etc.).
- Proficiency in Python and Typescript for advanced application development and scripting.
- Experience deploying AI solutions in AWS, Azure, GCP, and DoD-approved cloud environments (Cloud One, DISA).
- Familiarity with CI/CD, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), DevSecOps, and Air Force IT processes.
- Knowledge of DoD/Air Force cybersecurity mandates, RMF, FedRAMP, and Zero Trust Architecture.
- Experience with Agile methodologies and tools (Git, Jira).
- Must be a U.S. Citizen and eligible to obtain a DoD Secret clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Air Force or DoD digital modernization projects, including migration of complex systems to secure cloud environments.
- Strong understanding of data engineering, data modeling, and data visualization (Power BI, Tableau).
- Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma, ITIL, and service-oriented architecture (SOA) frameworks.
- Prior experience supporting early defense contract awards and working with Air Force stakeholders (AFLCMC, AFRL, C5ISR, etc.).
Locations:
Hybrid: McLean, VA; Hanscom AFB – Bedford, MA; Rome, New York & Robins Air Force Base
Base salary: $160,000–$210,000. Final compensation is flexible and will be determined based on the candidate’s experience, technical depth, and clearance level.
Benefits
- Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
- Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
- Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
- Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
- Short Term & Long Term Disability
- Training & Development
- Free Food & Snacks
- Wellness Resources
Top Skills
What We Do
Credence provides innovative technology, health, international development, engineering, and management solutions to support mission-critical programs for Federal government customers. We are one of the nation’s largest privately held government contractors.
Our ability to perform exceptionally to implement new solutions, efficiencies, and savings across 220 U.S. Government programs is due to our obsession with exceeding customer expectations and our emphasis on employee wellbeing—best exemplified by our corporate philosophy: “One Measure of Success. Yours.”
WHY WORK WITH CREDENCE? We are consistently rated as a Top Workplace and are proud to be one of the fastest growing privately held firms in the U.S. over the last decade.
Credence treats each customer, teaming partner, and employee as a trusted partner whom we serve. We ensure successful outcomes by focusing on the measure of success that we consider to be most important—Yours.
WHY WORK FOR CREDENCE? We are a diverse, enthusiastic team of professionals who are dedicated to providing exceptional service to our customers. Our culture is focused on employee empowerment, recognition, and reward, and each person is encouraged to take initiative and strive to reach their greatest potential.
HOW CREDENCE GIVES BACK: We believe in giving back to the communities in which we live and work through corporate charitable events, support for employee volunteering, and a 100% corporate match for employee charitable giving.
