AI Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Geeks and Nerds

• $125K — $150K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Computer Science, AI, Machine Learning, or similar field
  • 7+ years in AI/ML development focused on national security
  • Expert in programming languages: Python, R, Java
  • Proficient with ML frameworks: TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn
  • Understanding of AI ethics and responsible decision-making
  • Flexibility to travel up to 30% for business needs

Responsibilities

  • Lead AI/ML solution development for national security
  • Provide technical expertise aligned with government missions
  • Serve as technical advisor on AI projects
  • Collaborate to optimize AI applications and systems
  • Conduct research on emerging AI technologies
  • Engage with industry SMEs and decision-makers on AI solutions
  • Ensure AI compliance with federal regulations

Benefits

  • Innovative work environment fostering creativity
  • Opportunities for professional development and mentoring
  • Collaboration with government and industry leaders
  • Engagement in cutting-edge AI technologies
  • Contributing to significant national security initiatives
Full Job Description
Responsibilities:
  1. Strategic AI Development:
    • Lead the design, development, and implementation of innovative AI/ML solutions tailored to national security challenges, priorities, and growth
    • Provide technical expertise to align AI strategies with government agency requirements and mission objectives across the agencies associated with national security, including but not limited to DoD (Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force), Homeland Security (DHS), and intelligence agencies
  2. Technical Leadership:
    • Serve as the primary technical advisor on AI-related projects, ensuring the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and autonomous systems
    • Collaborate with internal and external cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for AI applications and optimize existing systems and qualifications
  3. Research and Innovation:
    • Conduct research on emerging AI technologies and trends to maintain competitive advantage and relevancy
    • Develop proof-of-concept models and prototypes to demonstrate AI capabilities to collaborators, customers, and stakeholders for further project and product developments
  4. Client Engagement:
    • Develop relationships with other SMEs in the industry and with key government decision makers, providing expert guidance and showcasing the company's AI solutions and their operational impact
    • Prepare and deliver technical presentations, white papers, and reports to communicate AI strategies and results effectively (internally and externally)
  5. Compliance and Security:
    • Ensure all AI solutions comply with federal regulations, including data security, privacy, and ethical AI standards
    • Collaborate with cybersecurity teams and IT to safeguard company AI systems against adversarial threats and maintain relevancy with rapidly changing technologies
  6. Training and Mentorship:
    • Provide training and mentorship to internal teams and government clients (as needed/contracted) on AI technologies and best practices
    • Develop educational materials and workshops to enhance AI literacy within the company


Qualifications:

Required:
  • Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related field
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience in AI/ML development, with a focus on applications in national security or defense
  • Expert proficiency in:
    • Programming languages (such as Python, R, and Java)
    • ML frameworks (e.g. TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Scikit-learn)
    • Software development collaboration and version control tools (e.g. GitHub)
  • Strong understanding of AI ethics, trust, and responsible decision-making principles
  • Experience with advanced statistical modeling, data analysis, and modeling and simulation for mission-critical systems
  • Flexibility to travel (up to 30% of time) to:
    • Other Geeks and Nerds sites
    • Meet in person with clients/customers/stakeholders
    • Attend industry-relevant meetings/events

Soft Skills:
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Proactive, organized self-starter
  • Thrives when working independently and collaboratively with internal and external teams/stakeholders
  • Ability to see the big picture while remaining detail-oriented
  • Willing and able to jump into the work with the team (not just manage)


Preferred:
  • Familiarity with DoD AI initiatives, including JAIC, Trusted AI, and autonomy frameworks
  • Knowledge of DFARS, FAR and compliance requirements
  • Experience with DevSecOps practices and cloud-native AI solutions


Special Requirements:
  • Must be a US Citizen and successfully complete a U.S. government background investigation
  • Must have a Secret clearance or be capable of obtaining an interim Secret clearance


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