AI Architect

Overview

Acuity is looking for an AI Architect that will lead the design, development, and implementation of secure, scalable artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions supporting U.S. federal agency missions. This role operates within highly regulated environments and requires deep expertise in cloud architecture, data governance, and compliance frameworks. The AI Architect will ensure all solutions meet federal security standards while delivering actionable intelligence and automation capabilities.

• Architect and implement AI/ML solutions aligned with federal mission objectives (e.g., defense, intelligence, civilian agencies).
• Design secure AI systems compliant with federal frameworks such as NIST Risk Management Framework and FedRAMP.
• Lead development of AI solutions in classified, controlled unclassified (CUI), or high-security environments.
• Integrate AI/ML capabilities into existing enterprise architectures and legacy government systems.
• Define AI governance, model risk management, and responsible AI practices in accordance with federal guidelines.
• Collaborate with program managers, contracting officers, cybersecurity teams, and mission stakeholders.
• Guide cloud-based AI deployments in Gov Cloud environments (AWS Gov Cloud, Azure Government).
• Oversee MLOps pipelines with auditability, traceability, and compliance in mind.
• Ensure data handling aligns with federal data privacy and security regulations.
• Provide technical leadership across cross‑functional contractor and government teams.
• Support proposal development, technical volumes, and solution architecture for new contract bids.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in software engineering, data engineering, or machine learning.
• 3+ years of experience architecting AI/ML solutions in government or highly regulated environments.
• Strong experience with secure system design and compliance‑driven architecture.
• Proficiency in Python, Java, or similar languages.
• Experience working in Agile and/or Dev Sec Ops  environments.

• AI/ML frameworks:
  Tensor Flow, PyTorch, Scikit‑learn.
• Experience with large language models (LLMs) and generative AI in secure environments.
• Data platforms:
  Databricks, Spark, Hadoop (with secure configurations).
• MLOps tools with compliance tracking (model versioning, lineage, explainability).
• API and microservices architecture in zero‑trust environments.
• Experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) in secure clusters.
• Knowledge of Zero Trust Architecture and secure data pipelines.

• Strong familiarity with FISMA, NIST 800‑53, DoD 8570/8140, FedRAMP Moderate/High baselines.
• Experience handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and classified data.
• Understanding of Authority to Operate (ATO) processes.

• Prior experience supporting agencies such as Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, or Intelligence Community organizations.
• Experience with contract vehicles (e.g., GWACs, IDIQs) and federal procurement processes.
• Background in mission areas such as cybersecurity, intelligence analysis, or logistics.
• Experience contributing to technical proposals (RFP/RFQ responses).
• Federal & Security
  
  Certifications:
  • CompTIA Security+ (often required for DoD roles).
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
  • Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP).
• Cloud & AI
  
  Certifications:
  • AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty (Gov Cloud experience preferred).
  • Microsoft Certified:
    Azure AI Engineer Associate (Azure Government).
  • Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer.
• Architecture
  
  Certifications:
  • TOGAF.
  • AWS/Azure/GCP Solutions Architect certifications.

Active security clearance (Secret or Top Secret; TS/SCI clearance preferred) or eligibility to obtain one.

Acuity is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.