Entry Level Artificial Intelligence Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

SUMMARY:

Entry-level Artificial Intelligence (AI) Assistant Level I supports artificial intelligence initiatives through data preparation, model testing, system monitoring, governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) support activities, and research. Supports AI adoption initiatives aligned with agency mission priorities, cybersecurity requirements, federal compliance mandates, and digital transformation objectives. Contributes to the development of ethical, secure, transparent, and responsible AI solutions consistent with federal AI frameworks, risk management principles, and organizational governance standards. Assists with continuous monitoring, documentation, audit readiness, and automation efforts supporting AI operational integrity and regulatory compliance.

KEY DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with data collection, cleansing, validation, and organization for AI and machine learning projects
• Support the development, testing, and validation of AI models under the guidance of senior technical staff
• Monitor AI systems and report performance issues, anomalies, security concerns, compliance deviations, or opportunities for improvement
• Support GRC activities related to AI systems, data governance, cybersecurity, privacy, and operational controls
• Assist in maintaining AI system documentation, inventories, risk registers, audit artifacts, and compliance tracking records
• Participate in continuous monitoring activities for AI-enabled systems to support operational performance, cybersecurity posture, and regulatory compliance
• Assist with implementing automated workflows, dashboards, alerts, and reporting mechanisms for AI operations and compliance monitoring
• Conduct research on emerging AI tools, platforms, federal AI policies, cybersecurity standards, and industry best practices
• Help document AI workflows, standard operating procedures (SOPs), governance processes, and technical procedures
• Support internal stakeholders using AI-powered tools, automation platforms, and data-driven solutions
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including cybersecurity, compliance, legal, privacy, data governance, and IT operations personnel to integrate AI solutions into business operations
• Assist in preparing reports, dashboards, presentations, and metrics related to AI initiatives, compliance activities, risk assessments, and operational performance
• Support the identification, tracking, and mitigation of operational, cybersecurity, privacy, and AI model risks
• Assists in the development, implementation, maintenance, and governance of AI-enabled solutions to improve operational efficiency, decision-making, automation, and data-driven outcomes
• Support adherence to federal AI governance frameworks, cybersecurity standards, and agency compliance requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, Engineering, Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, or a related discipline
• 0-2 years of relevant experience (internships or academic projects acceptable)
• Basic understanding of artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, cybersecurity, or governance and compliance concepts

Preferred Skills & Competencies

• Familiarity with programming languages such as Python, R, or Java Familiarity with programming languages such as Python, R, Java, or scripting tools used for automation
• Exposure to data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, SQL, Power BI, Tableau, or similar platforms)
• Basic knowledge of machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar).
• Familiarity with Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) concepts, cybersecurity controls, or compliance monitoring processes
• Exposure to automation, workflow orchestration, or monitoring tools used in IT or AI environments
• Understanding of continuous monitoring principles, audit readiness, and operational reporting processes
• Knowledge of federal IT environments, cloud platforms, AI governance frameworks, cybersecurity standards, or data governance policies
• Familiarity with federal frameworks and standards such as NIST AI RMF, NIST CSF, RMF, FedRAMP, FISMA, or Zero Trust concepts.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Attention to detail and a strong commitment to quality and compliance
• Experience supporting government clients or working in a regulated environment preferred

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Foundational knowledge of AI/ML concepts, data analytics, governance, risk management, and statistical methods
• Basic proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, SQL, or similar technologies
• Familiarity with data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., SQL, Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent)
• Understanding of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) principles and continuous monitoring concepts
• Ability to follow established procedures, security controls, governance standards, and federal compliance requirements
• Knowledge of cybersecurity, privacy, and data protection principles in AI-enabled environments
• Ability to identify, document, and escalate operational, compliance, or system risks
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to support audit preparation, reporting, and documentation activities
• Ability to work in a structured, compliance-driven, and mission-focused environment

Security Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust or higher-level security clearance, as required by the contract

Supervision

• Works under direct supervision with clearly defined guidelines. Receives technical guidance from senior AI, cybersecurity, compliance, governance, data, or engineering personnel.