AI/ML Engineering Lead

NeatDevs LLCAI/ML Engineering Lead

Ashburn, VA

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Full time

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NeatDevs LLC is a small federal subcontractor with a long-running seat on a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program in Ashburn, VA. We are hiring an AI/ML Engineering Lead to direct one or more AI/ML prototyping teams delivering GenAI pilots (including Google Gemini-based solutions) from idea to working software, and to serve as the primary technical point of contact for government stakeholders. U.S. citizenship is required (federal contract); you must be able to obtain a DHS/CBP Public Trust - an active or recent clearance shortens your start date but is not a gate. Hybrid: on-site in Ashburn, VA about one day per week, remote the rest.

About NeatDevs LLC

NeatDevs, LLC is a dynamic federal contracting company dedicated to providing cutting-edge technology solutions across custom software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data analytics. We excel by delivering innovative, secure, and mission-critical applications tailored specifically to the unique needs of federal agencies.

At NeatDevs, our standout culture emphasizes collaboration, continuous learning, and a commitment to excellence. Our employees thrive in an environment that promotes innovation, supports professional growth, and fosters work-life balance. We proudly leverage agile methodologies and advanced technology stacks to drive impactful solutions that protect national interests and enhance government efficiency.

Join NeatDevs and become part of a passionate team making meaningful contributions to our nation’s security and technological advancement. Our employees benefit from:

An engaging, collaborative, and inclusive team environment

Robust professional development and mentorship opportunities

Excellent work-life balance and flexible work arrangements

Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including immediate 401K matching

If you’re looking to grow your career with a company that values innovation, integrity, and teamwork, NeatDevs is the place for you!

Description

What you'll do

• Plan, direct, and coordinate AI/ML engineering work across prototyping teams; shape the pilot portfolio with government stakeholders
• Set technical direction for GenAI solutions: architecture, model selection, RAG and agent design, evaluation approaches
• Lead design and code reviews; stay hands-on enough to unblock the team
• Establish responsible-AI practices aligned with federal AI governance (NIST AI RMF)
• Lead, mentor, and develop AI/ML engineers; run Agile delivery (release/sprint planning, demos, retros)

Required

• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a DHS/CBP Public Trust; must live in the DC/MD/VA area
• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years of software engineering experience, including 3+ years leading technical teams and 2+ years leading AI/ML or GenAI efforts
• Deep hands-on background in Python plus at least one of Java/JavaScript/TypeScript; able to review full-stack code (including Angular)
• Proven delivery of LLM/GenAI solutions (RAG, prompt engineering, agents, model evaluation)
• Cloud AI platform experience (Google Cloud and/or AWS)

Experience briefing senior government stakeholders

• Nice to have
• Google Gemini / Vertex AI strongly preferred; AWS Bedrock/SageMaker also valued
• MLOps, GitLab CI/CD, DevSecOps; federal AI governance familiarity
• DHS or law enforcement program experience; PMP, SAFe, or GCP ML Engineer certification

Pay and benefits

$172,000 - $198,000 per year depending on experience and clearance status. Full-time W-2 role with health benefits, 401(k), and paid federal holidays.

NeatDevs LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Salary

$172,000 - $198,000 per year

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