Ai Lab Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary
The client's Division of Consumer and Community Affairs (DCCA) is establishing an AI Lab to explore and implement generative AI and machine learning solutions that enhance staff productivity, improve analytical capabilities, and strengthen the Division's work in consumer protection and community development. The AI Lab is developing a portfolio of AI/ML applications, tools, and solutions that require rigorous requirements management,
stakeholder coordination, compliance documentation, and agile project oversight.
We are looking for a Senior Business Analyst to support the AI Lab Director by anchoring the lab's requirements gathering, project coordination, governance activities, and stakeholder
engagement. This role serves as the bridge between technical data scientists and business
stakeholders, translating business needs into technical requirements, managing agile workflows, ensuring compliance with client IT governance frameworks, and coordinating testing and
deployment activities. The Senior BA will serve as a key advisor and operational partner to the AI Lab Director, providing strategic insights on project portfolio management, compliance
readiness, and stakeholder needs, while ensuring that AI/ML solutions align with business objectives and meet federal security, privacy, and compliance obligations.
The AI Lab operates as a small, agile team where roles are fluid and practitioners collaborate closely across technical and business functions. This position requires someone who can work independently to manage complex AI/ML projects, direct compliance documentation efforts, facilitate agile ceremonies, and communicate effectively with diverse audiences ranging from
data scientists and engineers to economists, attorneys, and senior leadership. The Senior BA will support the AI Lab Director in strategic planning, portfolio prioritization, and executive
communications.
Responsibilities
Requirements Gathering and Business Analysis
Evaluate and analyze business requirements from DCCA staff, leadership, and end-user needs for AI/ML solutions; recommend and design solutions that meet business needs
Translate business requirements into structured functional specifications, user stories, and acceptance criteria that data scientists and engineers can build against
Work directly with economists, bank examiners, policy analysts, and attorneys to elicit, refine, and document requirements for AI-enabled tools and applications
Evaluate and advise on options, risks, costs versus benefits, system impacts, and business and technology priorities for AI/ML initiatives
Conduct gap analysis and business process improvement assessments to identify opportunities for AI/ML automation and efficiency gains
Develop process flow diagrams, use cases, mockups, and workflow documentation to support AI/ML application design
Agile Project Management and Coordination
Direct and facilitate agile processes for AI Lab projects using Scrum and/or Kanban methodologies, including sprint planning, daily standups, retrospectives, and backlog grooming
Coordinate development timelines, deliverables, and dependencies across AI/ML projects, ensuring alignment with stakeholder expectations and divisional priorities
Manage project roadmaps, action plans, and strategic plans for AI Lab initiatives; track progress and communicate status to technical teams and business stakeholders
Break down complex AI/ML initiatives into manageable epics, features, and user stories; prioritize work based on business value and technical feasibility
Facilitate collaboration between data scientists, AI cloud engineers, business stakeholders, and subject matter experts
Direct and mentor team members on agile best practices and project delivery methodologies
Utilize project management and tracking tools (Jira, Azure DevOps, or similar) to maintain visibility into project status and blockers
AI Governance, Compliance, and Documentation
Direct compliance activities for AI Lab systems, including FISMA documentation, Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs), Authority to Operate (ATO) processes, and system security plans
Ensure AI/ML systems comply with federal IT governance frameworks including FISMA, FedRAMP, NISPOM, BISP procedures, OMB guidance, and Board privacy requirements
Coordinate security assessments, privacy reviews, and compliance audits for AI/ML applications and systems
Serve as primary point of contact with the client's security, privacy, and compliance offices on matters related to AI Lab systems
Maintain AI Lab system inventory and ensure records are current and aligned with agency reporting requirements
Support data governance activities including data classification, records management, and retention schedule compliance for AI/ML datasets
Participate in information gathering and tracking efforts to ensure ongoing compliance; interpret and apply client requirements to AI/ML contexts
Develop and maintain governance policies and standards for responsible AI development and deployment
Documentation and Communication
Create comprehensive documentation including user guides, process documentation, technical specifications, workflow diagrams, test plans, agile materials, and application manuals
Develop executive summaries, briefing materials, presentations, and talking points for senior leadership on AI Lab initiatives
Prepare documentation packages for security assessments, compliance reviews, and governance audits
Translate complex technical AI/ML concepts into clear communications for non-technical audiences
Partner and liaise with customers, staff, project team members, sponsors, and stakeholders to manage expectations and ensure customer satisfaction
Present project status, risks, and recommendations to technical and non-technical audiences including senior leadership
Testing, Quality Assurance, and Deployment Support
Develop and approve functional and system-level test cases for AI/ML applications; generate, maintain, and track test results
Direct and participate in user acceptance testing (UAT) for AI Lab applications, coordinating with business users to validate functionality
Work in partnership with data scientists and engineers to ensure test coverage, solution deployment readiness, and security vulnerability management
Conduct and oversee performance, integration, baseline, and regression testing activities
Coordinate deployment activities and ensure smooth transitions from development to production environments
Track bugs, issues, and enhancement requests through resolution
Validate that deployed AI/ML solutions meet business requirements and user needs
Strategic Planning and Continuous Improvement
Provide strategic direction for AI Lab service delivery, process improvements, and operational effectiveness
Develop and report on metrics and trends regarding AI Lab services, processes, project delivery, and customer satisfaction
Investigate and escalate complex business-oriented inefficiencies, workflow issues, and opportunities for improvement
Identify emerging AI technologies and methodologies that could benefit DCCA's mission
Direct business process improvement initiatives that leverage AI/ML capabilities
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or related field
At least ten years of experience in business analysis, project management, or related roles within technology organizations
Expert knowledge of Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban) including demonstrated ability to facilitate agile ceremonies and manage backlogs
Expertise in requirements gathering and business analysis including ability to translate complex business needs into technical specifications
Strong experience with federal IT governance and compliance frameworks including FISMA, FedRAMP, privacy requirements (PIAs), and ATO processes
Project management expertise including demonstrated ability to manage complex technical projects, coordinate cross-functional teams, and deliver results
Experience with stakeholder management, consulting, and facilitating communication between technical and non-technical audiences
Knowledge of software development lifecycle (SDLC), release management, and quality assurance practices
Experience creating comprehensive documentation including technical specifications, user guides, process flows, and compliance materials
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to evaluate complex situations and recommend solutions
Ability to work independently and direct others in solutions delivery, compliance efforts, and project coordination
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience in U.S. federal government, particularly in regulatory, supervisory, or policy environments
Experience with AI/ML project management or supporting data science teams including understanding of AI/ML development lifecycles and unique governance considerations
Experience supporting or coordinating testing for data science applications or analytics tools
Familiarity with AI governance frameworks and responsible AI practices (bias testing, model documentation, fairness assessments)
Experience with project management tools such as Jira, Azure DevOps, Confluence, or similar platforms
Knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS preferred) and understanding of cloud deployment processes
Experience with process modeling and documentation tools (Visio, Lucidchart, Miro, or similar)
Understanding of data governance, data privacy regulations, and data management best practices
Experience in financial services, banking supervision, consumer finance, or regulatory data environments
Familiarity with test automation concepts and tools
Experience preparing materials for senior leadership and executives
PMP, PMI-ACP, CBAP, or similar certifications
Coursework or certification in information security, privacy, or compliance (CIPP, CISSP, or equivalent)
VIVA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants have an equal opportunity for placement, and all employees have an equal opportunity to develop on the job. This means that VIVA will not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status