Contract Artificial Intelligence Jobs in Reston, VA

Description

Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning Developer: 

At B&A, we foster and embrace a distinct set of values that we live by and instill in all aspects of our organization: dedication, commitment, partnership, trust, and recognition. We have incorporated these values into successful delivery for our customers since 1988. B&A believes in ensuring its employees feel deeply connected to B&A, recognizing successes and hard work, and providing continuous opportunities to learn and grow. Our people are entrepreneurial thinkers that combine mindset, vision, and experience to drive value - not only to us as an organization, but to the clients we support. We promote a collaborative culture with our clients, and with each other, as one team working towards a common vision. We'd love for you to join our team!

Job Summary:

B&A is looking for an Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning Developer to join a contract with a federal government client in support of an important mission. 

Responsibilities:

• This is a client-facing position working on-site as per the requirements established by the DHS customer.
• Develop, train, and deploy advanced AI/ML and Gen-AI models.
• Design and implement innovative AI solutions to address complex business challenges using techniques such as natural language processing and large language models.
• Optimize model performance, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.
• Develop and maintain user-friendly AI applications and interfaces, including chatbots, virtual assistants, and generative content tools.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate AI solutions into existing systems and workflows.
• Stay up to date with the latest advancements in AI/ML and emerging technologies, such as generative AI and reinforcement learning.
• Conduct research and experiments to explore new AI techniques and applications, including prompt engineering, Advanced RAGs and fine-tuning LLMs.
• Ensure compliance with data privacy and security regulations, especially when dealing with sensitive data and generative AI outputs.
• This role will be responsible for briefing the benefits and constraints of technology solutions to technology partners, stakeholders, team members, and senior levels of management. 

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology Management or Engineering is preferred. Alternative work-related experience, Military Duty, and/or specialized or higher education may be substituted.
• 3+ years of experience in the Information Technology field focusing on AI/ML engineering projects, MLOps and DevSecOps and technical architecture specifically.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in developing, deploying, and fine-tuning generative AI models, including large language models (LLMs).
• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, Java and C/C++ (optional)
• Experience with machine learning and generative AI frameworks.
• Experience with natural language processing techniques (e.g., text classification, language generation).
• Solid understanding of any of the cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and deployment strategies.
• Solid understanding of MLOps and DevSecOps practices for deploying AI-ML models and applications
• Proficiency in any front-end development technologies (e.g., React, Angular, Vue.js, HTML, CSS, JavaScript).
• Knowledge of database systems (e.g., SQL, NoSQL, Vector Database, Graph Database)and data warehousing concepts.
• An understanding and competency surrounding data storage, accesses, and loading.
  • Databases: PostgreSQL, NoSQL, Vector Databases, Graph Databases etc.
  • ETL/ELT Concepts
  • Data warehouse concepts
  • SQL
• Competency in data exploration, analytics, and feature engineering. (Python Specific)
  • Pandas / NumPy / Polars / PySpark
  • Plotly / Matplotlib (some form of data visualization)
  • Data encoding / normalizing / regularizing / etc.
• Understanding of Deep learning concepts and architectures like CNNs, RNNs, LSTM, and GANs and ability to apply to real world data sets and problems.
• Proficiency in ML Modeling - Scikit-Learn, Tensorflow, Keras, Pytorch.
• Proficiency in NLP Tools SpaCy, ThinC, Gensim.
• Knowledge of Gen-AI Tools Hugging Face models, OpenAI models, Grok.
• General competency in various ML disciplines like Classification, Forecasting, Transformers, Generative, Anomaly Detection and Deep Learning.
• Enthusiastic, proactive, positive attitude with great listening skills, high integrity, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Adaptability to changing priorities and a willingness to learn and grow are essential.
• Excellent organizational skills, and ability to effectively manage concurrent projects.
• Comprehensive problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to learn, evolve, think creatively and proactively.
• Able to work under pressure (at times) and to be extremely flexible with changing priorities
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting, take ownership of and complete relatively complex tasks, effectively using available resources, as needed, with minimal guidance.

Security Clearance:

• Active TS or CBP BI 

More About B&A:

Notable Clients
B&A has grown to be a company that is trusted by our clients for exceptional service, innovative solutions, and inspired employees. Our service extends through federal, state, and local Government, the private sector, and higher education. Some of our notable clients include Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Senate, U.S. Courts, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Navy, and more.

Benefits and Programs

B&A is proud to offer three robust individual and family medical plans to full time employees, including a Health Savings Account (HSA) option as well as two tiers of dental coverage, vision, life & AD&D, disability, accident, hospital indemnity, and critical illness insurance. In addition to these benefits, B&A employees enjoy paid time off, B&A sponsored trainings and certifications, pet insurance benefits, commuter transit benefits and a free subscription to a virtual exercise platform (NEOU). B&A's 401(k) plan is available to all employees and includes a company matching contribution.

B&A has launched several programs to focus on employee engagement, wellness, and assistance. These include:

• The B&A Cares program: 30/60/90-day wellness check ins, personal development, financial management, and stress management seminars, and more
• A formal mentorship program
• Job shadowing and cross training opportunities
• Brand Ambassador program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Access to various support resources to include counseling, legal guidance, financial planning, and more
• Monthly teambuilding events
• B&A Annual Wellness Challenges: #StepWithB&A, #WalkDuringLunchWithB&A, #VolunteeringWithB&A, #ExerciseDuringLunchWithB&A, and more

At B&A, we place significant importance on improving the communities and lives of citizens across the nation through our involvement, technology expertise, and employees. B&A puts an emphasis on charitable efforts in the Northern Virginia area, including Capital Area Food Bank pantry drives, book donations, Hope for Henry Foundation events, and many more. In recognition of all these efforts, B&A has been named a Companies as Responsive Employers (CARE) award recipient by Northern Virginia Family Services and nominated by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce for Outstanding Corporate Citizenship Award.

EEO

B&A provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. B&A complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy covers conduct occurring at B&A's offices, and other workplaces (including client sites) and all other locations where B&A is providing services, and to all work-related activities.

EEO is the Law

B&A participates in e-Verify. We provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 Form to confirm work authorization.