Executive Python Ai Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Overview

We are looking for an experienced Senior AI Product Engineer to design, build, and optimize enterprise-grade generative AI applications that combine large-language models, retrieval pipelines, and human-centered design. The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer who understands both the technical depth of AI systems and the product sensibilities needed to turn them into usable, mission-driven tools. This role bridges engineering, data science, and product strategy across Steampunk's AI & Data Exploitation practice. 

Contributions

• Design and implement full-stack GenAI applications using LLMs, embeddings, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and multi-agent orchestration frameworks. 
• Collaborate with designers, data scientists, and mission stakeholders to translate business needs into usable, explainable AI capabilities. 
• Develop reusable AI components and micro-services that accelerate model deployment, context management, and evaluation workflows. 
• Integrate LLMs with existing enterprise systems and APIs, ensuring scalability, observability, and secure data handling. 
• Lead prototyping and rapid iteration cycles, applying human-centered design methods to refine AI behavior and user experience. 
• Collaborate with LLMOps and MLOps teams to ensure automated testing, versioning, monitoring, and continuous improvement of AI models and pipelines. 
• Evaluate new foundation models, prompt-optimization techniques, and fine-tuning strategies to improve accuracy, efficiency, and safety. 
• Apply AI governance principles, including bias detection, output validation, and compliance with emerging AI-risk frameworks. 
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the internal AI Engineering Community of Practice by sharing best practices in GenAI architecture and productization.
• Contribute to the growth of our AI & Data Exploitation Practice by shaping reusable patterns and assets for enterprise AI delivery. 

Qualifications

• Ability to hold a position of public trust with the U.S. government. 
• Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Human-Computer Interaction, or related field. 
• 5+ years of experience developing AI or data-driven applications, including at least 2 years building GenAI or LLM-based systems. 
• Proficiency in Python and frameworks such as LangChain, LlamaIndex, DSPy, or similar orchestration tools. 
• Demonstrated experience integrating LLMs with retrieval layers, vector databases, or enterprise APIs. 
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and containerization/orchestration tools such as Docker and Kubernetes. 
• Strong understanding of software engineering principles, version control, CI/CD, and modern DevSecOps practices. 
• Knowledge of prompt engineering, evaluation metrics, and AI safety concepts (e.g., hallucination detection, red-team testing). 
• Experience collaborating with designers and product managers to translate user requirements into functional AI experiences. 
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to articulate technical approaches to both executive and technical stakeholders. 
• Proven ability to work independently in fast-moving, cross-disciplinary teams while mentoring others and maintaining engineering excellence. 
• NIH experience. 
• Local to the Washington, DC metro area preferred. 

About steampunk

Steampunk relies on several factors to determine salary, including but not limited to geographic location, contractual requirements, education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience. The projected compensation range for this position is $140,000 to $180,000.  The estimate displayed represents a typical annual salary range for this position. Annual salary is just one aspect of Steampunk's total compensation package for employees. Learn more about additional Steampunk benefits here. 

Identity Statement

As part of the application process, you are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.

Steampunk is a Change Agent in the Federal contracting industry, bringing new thinking to clients in the Homeland, Federal Civilian, Health and DoD sectors.  Through our Human-Centered delivery methodology, we are fundamentally changing the expectations our Federal clients have for true shared accountability in solving their toughest mission challenges.  As an employee owned company, we focus on investing in our employees to enable them to do the greatest work of their careers - and rewarding them for outstanding contributions to our growth. If you want to learn more about our story, visit http://www.steampunk.com.

Employment Type: OTHER