SMX is seeking a Sr. Artificial Intelligence Engineer.
This is a full-time onsite position in Ft. Belvoir, VA.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
AI Model Lifecycle & MLOps- Design, develop, and deploy machine learning models to achieve organizational mission objectives
- Implement MLOps processes and CI/CD pipelines in containerized or reproducible computing environments to support the full ML lifecycle
- Assess and address limitations of methods to deliver machine learning models in production
- Conduct AI risk assessments to ensure models and solutions are performing as designed
- Monitor, evaluate, and optimize ML model performance using appropriate metrics
- Integrate AI solutions with cloud and enterprise IT infrastructure
- Design and implement AI-enabled applications leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) and foundation models
- Automate development, testing, security, and deployment of AI/ML-enabled software
- Develop APIs and interfaces to enable secure, scalable interaction with AI models
- Implement Responsible AI best practices aligned with DoD AI Ethical Principles
- Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior AI/ML engineers and data scientists.
- Serve as the technical lead for AI solution architecture, making final determinations on model selection and deployment frameworks.
- Analyze ML model outputs and translate results for technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Explain AI concepts and terminology clearly to cross-functional teams
- Identify low-probability, high-impact risks in ML training data and throughout the AI solution lifespan
- Research and evaluate the latest ML and AI tools, techniques, and best practices
- Write and document reproducible, secure code with proper error handling
- Collaborate with stakeholders to address data privacy, PII, PHI, and data reusability concerns
- Ensure AI design and development activities are properly documented and updated
- Conduct hypothesis testing using statistical processes
- Use knowledge of business processes to create or recommend AI solutions
Required Skills, Experience & Education
Security
- Active TS security clearance and eligible for SCI and NATO read-on prior to starting work
- Meet all requirements to receive a privileged user account on a TS/SCI information system (e.g. Army Cloud Computing Service Provider) prior to starting work. The requirements are currently defined in DoDD 8140.01.
- Security+ or related DoDD 8140-relevant certification (or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire)
Education and Experience
- Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics or Statistics, Computer Engineering, Information Technology or related field and 3+ years of experience in AI/ML engineering, with demonstrable expertise in model deployment and operationalization, or
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics or Statistics, Computer Engineering, Information Technology or related field and 5+ years of experience in AI/ML engineering, with demonstrable expertise in model deployment and operationalization
- Hands-on experience with MLOps processes, CI/CD for ML, and containerized deployment environments (Docker, Kubernetes)
- Knowledge of Responsible AI frameworks and bias mitigation techniques
Technical Skills
- Strong proficiency in machine learning theory, model development, and deployment
- Experience integrating AI solutions with LLMs (e.g., OpenAI GPT, Azure OpenAI, AWS Bedrock, or open-source alternatives)
- Proficiency in Python scripting and ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, Hugging Face)
- Knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and AI/ML service models (SaaS, IaaS, PaaS)
- Understanding of AI security risks, threats, and vulnerabilities, and mitigation strategies
- Familiarity with testing, evaluation, validation, and verification (T&E V&V) for AI systems
Analytical & Communication Skills
- Ability to evaluate ML model effectiveness using appropriate metrics
- Skill in identifying and mitigating risks across the AI lifecycle
- Strong technical writing and presentation skills
- Ability to tailor technical information to diverse audiences
Professional Attributes:
- Judgment – Assessing trade-offs and making informed technical decisions
- Problem-solving – Framing complex challenges and developing actionable solutions
- Execution orientation – Delivering results in dynamic, fast-paced environments
- Innovation & creativity – Recommending improvements and exploring emerging AI capabilities
- Risk-centered mindset – Understanding threats, vulnerabilities, and mission impacts
- Trustworthiness – Operating with integrity in highly sensitive environments
Desired Skills/Experience
- Experience with DoD AI Ethical Principles (responsible, equitable, traceable, reliable, governable)
- Familiarity with NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) or cybersecurity compliance standards
- Experience in defense or IC AI/ML projects
- Relevant certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Machine Learning, Azure AI Engineer, TensorFlow Developer)
Application Deadline: August 17, 2026
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The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.
At SMX®, we are a team of technical and domain experts dedicated to enabling your mission. From priority national security initiatives for the DoD to highly assured and compliant solutions for healthcare, we understand that digital transformation is key to your future success.
We share your vision for the future and strive to accelerate your impact on the world. We bring both cutting edge technology and an expansive view of what’s possible to every engagement. Our delivery model and unique approaches harness our deep technical and domain knowledge, providing forward-looking insights and practical solutions to power secure mission acceleration.
SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans.
Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.
SMX does not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1 and O-1, or any EADs or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).
Skills Required
- Active Top Secret (TS) security clearance with SCI eligibility and NATO read-on prior to start
- Meet requirements for privileged user account on a TS/SCI information system per DoDD 8140.01
- Security+ or related DoDD 8140-relevant certification (or ability to obtain within 6 months)
- Master's in Computer Science, Data Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics/Statistics, Computer Engineering, Information Technology or related field and 3+ years AI/ML engineering experience OR Bachelor's and 5+ years AI/ML engineering experience
- Hands-on experience with MLOps processes, CI/CD for ML, and containerized deployment environments (Docker, Kubernetes)
- Proficiency in Python and ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, Hugging Face)
- Experience integrating LLMs (e.g., OpenAI GPT, Azure OpenAI, AWS Bedrock, or open-source alternatives)
- Knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and AI/ML service models (SaaS, IaaS, PaaS)
- Knowledge of Responsible AI frameworks and bias mitigation techniques
- Familiarity with testing, evaluation, validation, and verification (T&E V&V) for AI systems
- Ability to conduct AI risk assessments, monitor and optimize ML model performance, and document reproducible secure code
- Strong technical writing, presentation, mentoring, and cross-functional communication skills
- Experience with DoD AI Ethical Principles (responsible, equitable, traceable, reliable, governable)
- Familiarity with NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) or cybersecurity compliance standards
- Experience in defense or intelligence community AI/ML projects
- Relevant certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Machine Learning, Azure AI Engineer, TensorFlow Developer)
SMX Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about SMX and has not been reviewed or approved by SMX.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Salary ranges are publicly listed on many postings and a pay transparency statement clarifies how location, contract, and credentials influence offers. This visibility helps set clear expectations around compensation.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — About four weeks of PTO plus 11 paid federal holidays are highlighted in careers materials. Paid military leave on some roles further expands time‑off coverage.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with a dollar‑for‑dollar match on the first 5% and immediate vesting is called out in role descriptions. Traditional and Roth options support long‑term savings.
SMX Insights
What We Do
SMX is a global technology and advanced engineering provider specializing in Cloud Solutions, C5ISR, and Advanced Engineering / IT. Our tradition of delivering innovative, technical solutions dates back to 1995, however, you may know us better by one of our legacy company names: Trident Technologies, Smartronix, Datastrong, or C2S Consulting Group. With the support of OceanSound Partners, our private equity investment sponsor, we began operating as one business starting in 2019 and became SMX in 2021. We operate in close proximity to our clients around the globe and have core locations in Alabama, California, the DC Metro, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, and Massachusetts. Today, as SMX, we are one team and together empower government and commercial enterprises to become more effective, innovative, and resilient, no matter what challenges they face. SMX offers competitive benefits, excellent work environments, and growth opportunities for our employees while continuing to expand operations and support our communities. We have more than 25 years of rapid and consistent growth with continuous recognition as an employer-of-choice technology company. In addition, we have earned coveted industry quality and business certifications; have a strong commitment to business partnerships, ethics, compliance, and sustainability; and have a multitude of premier contracting vehicles. The combination of these attributes allows us to provide sound, repeatable business solutions yet remain flexible and agile to quickly adapt to specific customer requirements. Committed to ensuring the highest levels of customer satisfaction, SMX is structured around the programs and technologies we support to provide optimal and seamless operations. We have maintained a reputation for excellence, helping to assure the missions of our Department of Defense, Public Sector, Fortune 1000, and other Government and commercial customers.
