Principal AI Architect
Senior technical leader who defines AI/ML, generative AI, cloud, data, and security architectures for the Air Force's ACME automated classification program at Hanscom AFB. Day to day: set AI reference architectures (LLMs, RAG, agents, MLOps), lead architecture reviews, and advise senior DoD stakeholders, requiring TS/SCI eligibility and SAP screening.
- Compensation
- $195K–$215K / yr
- Location
- Bedford, Massachusetts, United States
- Work setup
- Onsite
- Seniority
- Principal
- Employment
- Full time
- Experience
- 5+ years
- Category
- Architecture
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- US citizen
- Top Secret Security Clearance with SCI eligibility
- Must pass SAP Screening
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline
- 15+ years of experience in software engineering, systems engineering, cloud architecture, AI/ML, data architecture, or related fields
- 5+ years of experience designing and implementing enterprise-scale AI/ML solutions
- Demonstrated experience serving as a technical architect or senior technical leader for complex systems
- Extensive experience with AI/ML architectures and production AI systems
- Strong understanding of generative AI, LLMs, RAG, foundation models, model evaluation, and AI agents
- Strong understanding of distributed systems, cloud-native architectures, APIs, microservices, containers, and Kubernetes
- Extensive experience with MLOps, DevSecOps, CI/CD, and AI/ML lifecycle management
- Strong understanding of cybersecurity architecture and secure software development
- Demonstrated ability to communicate complex architecture and technology concepts to senior technical and government stakeholders
Nice to have
- Master's degree in relevant technical discipline
Full description
Applied Research Solutions is seeking a full-time Principal AI Architect for Hanscom AFB. The Principal AI Architect is a senior technical leader responsible for defining and guiding the architecture, engineering strategy, integration, and deployment of advanced artificial intelligence capabilities supporting U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) missions. This role requires employee pass background screening for SAP.
The Automated Classification Management Environment (ACME) is a program initiated by the Air Force to modernize the classification management system. The current manual classification infrastructure limits the Department of War's ability to share data efficiently, which is crucial for Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) operations.
The ACME program aims to manage the lifecycle of classification and declassification in accordance with Executive Order 13526 and relevant policies, transitioning from a fragmented manual system to an AI-driven automated solution.
The ACME program will involve several key tasks:
- Transitioning from a manual classification framework to an AI-driven automated enterprise solution.
- Managing the lifecycle of classified national security information, including original classification, declassification, and releasability processes.
- Addressing challenges such as financial strain due to lack of interoperability, static guidance leading to errors, a backlog of records awaiting review, and high error rates in derivative classifications.
- Implementing machine-readable data infrastructure and AI tools for automation across various classification levels (Unclassified, CUI, Confidential, Secret, Top Secret, SCI).
- Engaging in agile development methodologies for rapid prototyping and integration of new capabilities.
This role provides enterprise-level technical leadership across AI/ML, generative AI, cloud, data, cybersecurity, software engineering, and mission systems. The Principal AI Architect translates complex mission requirements into secure, scalable, resilient, and interoperable AI architectures and establishes technical patterns that can be adopted across programs and operational environments.
The successful candidate will serve as a trusted technical advisor to government customers, senior program leadership, engineering organizations, and mission stakeholders, while helping establish the technical vision and roadmap for next-generation AI capabilities.
Why Work with us?
Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is respected as a world-class provider of technically integrated solutions as we deliver premier talent and technology across our focused markets for unparalleled, continuous mission support. Awarded a Best Places to Work nominee since 2020, ARS recognizes that without our career- driven, loyal professionals, we would not be able to deliver state-of-the-art results for our mission partners. We firmly believe that prioritizing our employees is of the upmost importance. We provide a culture where our employees are challenged to meet their career goals and aspirations, while still obtaining a work/life balance. ARS employees are motivated through our industry competitive benefits package, our awards and recognition program, and personalized attention from ARS Senior Managers.