Senior AI Technical Lead - DoD​/Air Force Focus Security Clearance

Position: Senior AI Technical Lead - DoD/Air Force Focus with Security Clearance
Overview Join a team where innovation meets mission. Our AI, cloud, cyber, and modernization solutions save agencies thousands of hours, safeguard national security, and strengthen health and humanitarian missions worldwide. With 1,700+ team members, 1,500+ AI/data experts, and 100+ prime contracts, we deliver at scale and with purpose. We've been recognized as a Top Workplace by the Washington Post for six straight years and named to the Inc.

5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies 13 of the past 14 years. Credence is a welcoming home for those looking to grow and contribute to positive change. We encourage all employees to expand beyond their boundaries, dive into important world-changing Federal challenges. 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 Dev Ops, Data Engineering, and Cybersecurity teams to integrate AI into secure, production-grade environments, leveraging Air Force technology stacks (e.g., Cloud One, DISA, Dev Sec Ops  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, Agent2

Agent Protocol, Lang Graph, 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), Dev Sec Ops , 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, C5

ISR, 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