Acuity is looking for anAI Architect that will lead the design, development, and implementation of secure, scalable artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions supporting U.S. federal agency missions. This roleoperateswithin highly regulated environments and requires deepexpertisein cloud architecture, data governance, and compliance frameworks. The AI Architect will ensure all solutions meet federal security standards while delivering actionable intelligence and automation capabilities

• Architect and implement AI/ML solutions aligned with federal missionobjectives(e.g., defense, intelligence, civilian agencies)

• Design secure AI systems compliant with federal frameworks such as NIST Risk Management Framework and FedRAMP

• Lead development of AI solutions in classified, controlled unclassified (CUI), or high-security environments

• Integrate AI/ML capabilities into existing enterprise architectures and legacy government systems

• Define AI governance, model risk management, and responsible AI practicesin accordance withfederal guidelines

• Collaborate with program managers, contracting officers, cybersecurity teams, and mission stakeholders

• Guide cloud-based AI deployments in GovCloud environments (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government)

• OverseeMLOpspipelines with auditability, traceability, and compliance in mind

• Ensure data handling aligns with federal data privacy and security regulations

• Provide technical leadership across cross-functionalcontractorand government teams

• Support proposal development, technical volumes, and solution architecture for new contract bids

• Bachelor27s orMaster27s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or related field

• 8+ years of experience in software engineering, data engineering, or machine learning

• 3+ years of experience architecting AI/ML solutions in government or highly regulated environments

• Strong experience with secure system design and compliance-driven architecture

• Proficiencyin Python, Java, or similar languages
• Experience working in Agile and/orDevSecOpsenvironments

Technical Skills

• AI/ML frameworks: TensorFlow,PyTorch, Scikit-learn

• Experience with large language models (LLMs)and generative AI in secure environments

• Data platforms: Databricks, Spark, Hadoop (with secure configurations)

• MLOpstools with compliance tracking (model versioning, lineage, explainability)

• API and microservices architecture in zero-trust environments

• Experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) in secure clusters

• Knowledge of Zero Trust Architectureand secure data pipelines

Regulatory & Domain Expertise

• Strong familiarity with:

• FISMA

• NIST 800-53

• DoD 8570 / 8140

• FedRAMP Moderate/High baselines

• Experience handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and classified data

• Understanding of Authority to Operate (ATO) processes

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting agencies such as Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, or Intelligence Community organizations

• Experience with contract vehicles (e.g., GWACs, IDIQs) and federal procurement processes

• Background in mission areas such as cybersecurity, intelligence analysis, orlogistics

• Experience contributing to technical proposals (RFP/RFQ responses)

• Federal & Security Certifications:

  • CompTIA Security+ (oftenrequiredfor DoD roles)
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

  Cloud & AI Certifications:

  • AWS Certified Machine Learning 6 Specialty (GovCloud experience preferred)
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate (Azure Government)
  • Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer

  Architecture Certifications:

  • TOGAF
  • AWS/Azure/GCP Solutions Architect certifications

Clearance Requirement

• Active security clearance (Secret or Top Secret; TS/SCI clearance preferred) or eligibility to obtain one