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Cots Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

AI Methodologist

Springfield, VA · On-site

$175K - $210K/yr

Assess the GOTS / COTS landscape to determine optimal solutions for specific intelligence problems: when to leverage NGA's internal investments, when to integrate commercial platforms, and how to ...

Engineering Technician

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

NDI is seeking an experienced Engineering Technician IV to provide technical support for Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) and Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS ...

The GEOINT Information Management Services (GIMS) system operates on multiple security levels and combines FOSS/COTS software/hardware with a custom-built application to meet critical mission ...

Solution Architect (Ft. Belvoir, VA)

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$140 - $180/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Integrate COTS/GOTS or custom solutions with external systems. * Define solutions that fit Army's requirements for SaaS, PaaS or AWS GovCloud computing. * Ensure security compliance and solution fit ...

Maintain expertise on chosen COTS systems. • Develop Java applications within the framework of the identity and access management software platform. • Create RESTful APIs. • Establish and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Cots information

See Virginia salary details

$49.1K

$87.3K

$155.7K

How much do cots jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for cots in Virginia is $87,314.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,400.00 and $94,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a COTS?

COTS stands for Commercial Off-The-Shelf products, which are ready-made software or hardware solutions that are available for purchase by the general public. Unlike custom-built systems, COTS products are designed to be easily integrated into existing environments with minimal customization. Organizations often use COTS solutions to save time and reduce costs associated with in-house development. They are widely used in various industries for their reliability, vendor support, and quick deployment capabilities.

What skills and qualifications are needed to work with COTS?

To thrive as a COTS Software Specialist, you need expertise in software integration, requirements analysis, and a solid understanding of IT systems, often supported by a degree in computer science or information technology. Familiarity with enterprise systems (like ERP, CRM), scripting languages, and certifications such as CompTIA or vendor-specific credentials are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help professionals excel in adapting COTS solutions to specific organizational needs. These skills ensure efficient deployment, customization, and support of commercial software, maximizing its value and minimizing business disruptions.

What challenges do professionals face when working with COTS, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals working with COTS solutions often encounter challenges related to integration with existing systems, limited customization options, and ensuring ongoing compatibility with future updates. Addressing these challenges typically involves thorough requirements analysis before selection, engaging in robust testing phases, and fostering close collaboration with both internal stakeholders and COTS vendors. Building strong vendor relationships and keeping up-to-date with product changes are also critical for effective long-term management of COTS products.

What is the difference between Cots vs CNC Operator?

AspectCotsCNC Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications in manufacturingHigh school diploma; technical training or certification in CNC machining
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, assembly linesMachine shops, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageCommon in furniture, healthcare, and electronics industriesPrimarily in metalworking, aerospace, and automotive industries

While Cots (components or parts) are used across various industries, CNC Operators specifically work with computer-controlled machines to produce precise parts. Understanding the difference helps in job searches and industry comprehension.

Infographic showing various Cots job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $87,314 per year, or $42 per hour.

AI Methodologist

ECS

Springfield, VA • On-site

$175K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Everforth ECS is seeking an AI Methodologist to work in our Springfield, VA office.
Everforth ECS is seeking an exceptional Artificial Intelligence (AI) Methodologist to support National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) modernization initiatives in alignment with DoD AI implementation strategy and guidance.
This role represents the convergence of cutting-edge artificial intelligence, operational intelligence tradecraft, and strategic impact - all within an organization that genuinely values career growth and contribution to national security.
At Everforth ECS, you'll have the mandate to challenge conventional approaches and the authority to drive change. You will partner directly with analytic teams to understand their most pressing intelligence questions, and design and implement AI solutions that others said could not be done. Build the adoption roadmap. Set the strategy. Execute the vision. This is leadership disguised as a technical role, within an organization that empowers, rather than micromanages.
This role demands a talented individual who can navigate the complex landscape of acquisition, security, integration, and operational deployment across both GOTS (Government Off-The-Shelf) and COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) environments. You'll assess when to leverage existing government investments, when commercial solutions offer superior capabilities, and how to architect hybrid approaches that deliver the best of both worlds while maintaining security, compliance, and operational effectiveness.
Responsibilities:
Transform Intelligence Production Through Smart Integration:
  • Support NGA modernization activities in accordance with DoD AI strategy.
  • Design AI integration strategies that compress multi-day analytic workflows into hours by intelligently combining GOTS / COTS capabilities.
  • Assess the GOTS / COTS landscape to determine optimal solutions for specific intelligence problems: when to leverage NGA's internal investments, when to integrate commercial platforms, and how to architect hybrid solutions.
  • Eliminate bottlenecks where automation stops and manual work begins, regardless of whether solutions come from government development or commercial acquisition.

Navigate the Acquisition and Integration Ecosystem:
  • Evaluate emerging COTS AI platforms and services for applicability to NGA missions and security requirements.
  • Balance the speed and innovation of commercial solutions with the security, reliability, and mission-specificity of government-developed tools.

Enable Analytic Excellence and Training:
  • Embed with intelligence teams to deeply understand their Priority Intelligence Questions and operational constraints.
  • Develop and implement comprehensive implementation plans that enable analysts to leverage AI-enhanced workflows effectively.
  • Conduct on the job training to accelerate adoption of best practices.
  • Faciliate leadership briefings and demonstrations.
  • Translate analyst expertise into requirements that AI can augment.
  • Guide teams in leveraging the full spectrum of available capabilities: government-developed tradecraft tools, enterprise AI platforms, commercial ML services, and emerging technologies.

Drive Strategic Adoption:
  • Develop incremental AI implementation roadmaps that build confidence, demonstrate value, and accelerate toward transformation.
  • Champion AI integration that enhances tradecraft rather than undermining it, ensuring solutions maintain security and compliance regardless of origin.
  • Measure what matters: faster analysis, higher confidence assessments, greater analytic capacity, and return on investment across GOTS / COTS expenditures.

Serve as Technology Advisor and Innovation Scout
  • Maintain awareness of emerging COTS AI capabilities, commercial platforms, and industry trends that could benefit NGA missions.
  • Advise leadership on technology investment strategies: when to build GOTS, when to buy COTS, and when to partner.
  • Build relationships with commercial vendors, government labs, and IC technology organizations to stay at the forefront of AI innovation.

Salary Range: $175,000 - $210,000
General Description of Benefits
  • Active TS/SCI with Counterintelligence (CI) and/or willingness to obtain CI polygraph.
  • Ability to work an alternate work schedule (including night shifts) as required.
  • Bachelor's Degree and 15+ years of experience in intelligence analysis, with deep understanding of intelligence and operations cycles in a U.S. military or Intelligence Community (IC) environment.
  • Demonstrated expertise and actual hands-on implementation experience applying AI/ML to real-world intelligence problems (not just theoretical knowledge).
  • Ability to code in PYTHON and HTML.
  • Mastery of NGA tools, tradecraft, and analytic methodologies - you'll need credibility with working-level analysts who've seen every "solution" pitch before.
  • Experience as an imagery analyst, with expertise in analyzing and exploiting Full Motion Video (FMV).
  • Deep understanding of object-based production and GEOINT workflows in operational contexts.
  • Fluency with DoD and IC information environments and the multi-source data ecosystem NGA depends on.
  • Understanding of both GOTS and COTS acquisition, integration, and operational deployment challenges in classified environments.
  • Ability to evaluate commercial AI technologies for applicability, security implications, and integration feasibility in national security contexts.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with proven ability to work independently in dynamic, high-tempo operational environments.
  • Excellent analytical writing and briefing skills, with experience providing planned and ad-hoc briefings for senior leadership.
  • Demonstrated instructional capabilities, to include developing and implementing training plans and curriculum Familiarity with commercial AI platforms (AWS AI/ML services, Azure AI, Google Cloud AI, commercial computer vision platforms, etc.) and their potential integration into government workflows.
  • Self-starter mentality with a customer-focused approach to delivering technology in operational environments.