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Freelance Ai Data Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

AI Data Engineer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site +1

$160K - $200K/yr

The AI Data Engineer will design, develop, and maintain data pipelines and architectures to support AI/ML workloads for the Army Intelligence & Security Enterprise (AISE). This role ensures data ...

SAIC

AI Data Engineer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

The AI Data Engineer will design, develop, and maintain data pipelines and architectures to support AI/ML workloads for the Army Intelligence & Security Enterprise (AISE). This role ensures data ...

SAIC

AI Data Engineer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

The AI Data Engineer will design, develop, and maintain data pipelines and architectures to support AI/ML workloads for the Army Intelligence & Security Enterprise (AISE). This role ensures data ...

Karsun Solutions, LLC

Senior AI Data Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$165K - $180K/yr

Summary We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Sr. AI Data Engineer with a proven track record in building scalable data platforms and incorporating Generative AI into data engineering ...

Deloitte

Generative AI Data Engineer III

Washington, DC

$129K - $155K/yr

Work you'll do As an AI and Data Science Engineer III on the team, you will be responsible for: * Design, build, test, and deploy machine learning and artificial intelligence solutions for business ...

Deloitte

Lead Data Engineer

Rosslyn, VA · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

Our Deloitte AI & Engineering team to transform technology platforms, drive innovation, and help ... Design data-driven architectures that integrate data engineering, business intelligence, and ...

Deloitte

Lead Data Engineer

Rosslyn, VA · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

Our Deloitte AI & Engineering team to transform technology platforms, drive innovation, and help ... Design data-driven architectures that integrate data engineering, business intelligence, and ...

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Freelance Ai Data Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$46.3K

$135K

$184.7K

How much do freelance ai data engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance ai data engineer in Reston, VA is $134,951.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,100.00 and $143,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a freelance AI data engineer?

To thrive as a Freelance AI Data Engineer, you need expertise in data engineering, programming (such as Python or Scala), and a solid understanding of machine learning algorithms, typically supported by a relevant degree in computer science or engineering. Proficiency with big data frameworks (like Hadoop or Spark), cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure), and tools for data pipeline orchestration (e.g., Airflow) is highly valued, along with certifications in these areas. Strong problem-solving, communication, and self-management skills help a freelancer excel when collaborating with clients and managing diverse projects. These skills ensure you can efficiently deliver high-quality, scalable AI data solutions in a competitive, project-based environment.

What are common challenges freelance AI data engineers face when working with multiple clients?

Freelance AI data engineers often manage projects for several clients simultaneously, which can create challenges in balancing differing data architectures, security protocols, and project deadlines. Each client may use unique technology stacks and have distinct expectations for data preprocessing, model deployment, and reporting. Effective time management, clear communication, and adaptability are crucial to ensure successful delivery and maintain strong client relationships in this dynamic work environment.

What is a freelance AI data engineer?

Freelance AI Data Engineers are independent professionals who design, build, and maintain data systems and pipelines for artificial intelligence and machine learning applications. They work with clients on a project basis, helping collect, process, and organize large datasets, and ensuring data is accessible for model training and analytics. Their expertise includes programming, data architecture, cloud platforms, and AI frameworks. Freelancers in this role often collaborate with data scientists and software engineers to deploy scalable AI solutions.

What is the difference between Freelance Ai Data Engineer vs Freelance Data Scientist?

AspectFreelance Ai Data EngineerFreelance Data Scientist
CredentialsKnowledge of AI frameworks, data engineering certificationsStatistical, analytical, and programming skills, data analysis certifications
Work EnvironmentBuilding data pipelines, integrating AI models, cloud platformsAnalyzing data, creating predictive models, data visualization
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, AI startups, data-driven organizationsResearch firms, analytics consultancies, tech companies

While both roles involve working with data, Freelance Ai Data Engineers focus on building and maintaining data infrastructure for AI applications, whereas Freelance Data Scientists analyze data to generate insights and develop models. The roles often overlap but serve different primary functions in data projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ai Data Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Ai Data Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Ai Data Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? For Freelance Ai Data Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Ai Data Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Ai Data Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Freelance Ai Data Engineer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Freelance Ai Data Engineer job openings:
Freelance Ai Data Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Ai Data Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 13% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 19% Temporary, 49% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 74% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,951 per year, or $64.9 per hour.

AI Data Engineer

SAIC

Fort Belvoir, VA • On-site, Remote

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 221 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2615231

Location: Fort Belvoir, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-08-04

Category: Information Technology

Subcategory: Database Engr

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: TS/SCI with Poly

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

SAIC is seeking an AI Data Engineer to join our team at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

The AI Data Engineer will design, develop, and maintain data pipelines and architectures to support AI/ML workloads for the Army Intelligence & Security Enterprise (AISE). This role ensures data availability, quality, security, and operational integration to enable advanced analytics and decision-making. The AI Data Engineer will collaborate with cross-functional teams, optimize data workflows, and contribute to intelligence solutions.
Key Responsibilities:

  • Translate business requirements into logical data models to support entity relationships and data flows.
  • Design and implement scalable data pipelines for AI and machine learning workloads.
  • Develop and maintain data architectures to ensure data quality, availability, and security.
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to meet AI/ML data requirements.
  • Optimize data workflows for real-time analytics and decision-making.
  • Ensure adherence to data governance policies and security protocols.
  • Stay current on data engineering, AI, and machine learning advancements.
  • Support the operational deployment and integration of AI/ML solutions to enhance intelligence capabilities.
  • Analyze complex data challenges and deliver practical, innovative technical solutions aligned with organizational goals.
  • Engage frequently with internal and external stakeholders to resolve technical issues and deliver impactful solutions.
  • Contribute to the successful delivery of programs and projects.

Qualifications

Required Education:

  • Bachelors degree and five (5) years or more related experience; Masters and three (3) years or more experience; four (4) years of experience considered in lieu of degree.

Qualifications:

  • 5+ years of experience in systems engineering, data engineering, data architecture, or similar roles.
  • Expertise with Palantir Foundry; particularly with Ontologies, Object Types, Data Pipelines, and AIP tools).
  • Strong knowledge of data pipeline design, ETL processes, and database management.
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, SQL, and TypeScript; and object-oriented development.
  • Experience utilizing Large Language Models (LLMs) for tasks like NLP, text generation, and conversational AI.
  • Familiarity with data governance, security practices, and compliance standards.
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities.

Clearance:

  • Candidate must have an active TS/SCI clearance with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI with Poly.  
     

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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