Machine Learning Engineer

Overview Our clients, a rapidly growing/expanding AI-focused software development company supporting federal agencies, is seeking a Machine Learning Engineer. About the Organization Delivers mission-critical technology for those who protect what matters. Builds AI-enabled capabilities purpose-built for federal law enforcement and national security partners. Work sits at the intersection of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and identity technology. Operates with a startup mentality focused on technical depth, creative problem-solving, and ownership. Work Location • McLean, VA or Columbia, MD • Hybrid environment with flexibility for remote work • On-site presence expected 2–3 days per week for team collaboration • Schedule: Monday–Friday; occasional monitoring outside standard hours for extended training jobs Role Summary Develop, train, and deploy generative AI models across the full ML lifecycle. Key Responsibilities • Train and fine-tune models • Build training pipelines • Develop evaluation frameworks • Optimize inference performance • Integrate models into production • Collaborate with engineering teams • Document models and processes Required Qualifications • 3+ years ML engineering • Python + PyTorch • Generative model experience • ML fundamentals • Data pipeline experience • Linux/Docker/AWS familiarity • U.S. citizenship Preferred Qualifications • Distributed training • Computer vision • LLMs or RAG • Production ML experience What Success Looks Like • 30 days: Learn systems • 90 days: Deliver models • 6 months: Production deployment Compensation & Benefits • Fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums • 10% company contribution to a Vanguard-sponsored 401(k) plan, vested immediately • 7 w