Job Title: AI Governance Subject Matter ExpertJob Description
This role focuses on shaping and governing Artificial Intelligence capabilities within a large federal intelligence environment. You will collaborate closely with senior technologists, architects, and data professionals to influence, design, and implement enterprise-wide AI initiatives that support both operational and strategic missions. You will play a key role in developing and guiding AI and machine learning policies, ensuring responsible, secure, and effective use of advanced technologies across the organization.
Responsibilities
Collaborate with senior technologists, architects, and data professionals to design, implement, and govern enterprise-wide AI and machine learning initiatives.
Support the development, review, and refinement of AI and ML policies that guide the responsible and effective use of AI technologies within a large federal intelligence environment.
Contribute to the creation and evolution of AI and ML policy for a major defense organization, working directly with government leaders to help shape national-level AI strategy and governance.
Apply software engineering and development expertise across the full software development lifecycle, including both frontend and backend components, to support AI and data-driven solutions.
Design, build, test, and troubleshoot software systems that address complex analytical and computational problems in support of mission and business objectives.
Leverage cloud platforms to architect and deploy AI, ML, and data-intensive applications in secure and scalable environments.
Develop and maintain applications and services using JavaScript and backend technologies such as Python and Node.js to support AI and data workflows.
Implement and manage containerized applications using tools such as Docker and Kubernetes to ensure reliable and scalable deployment of AI and ML solutions.
Work with relational and non-relational databases, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, and other NoSQL technologies, to support data storage, retrieval, and analytics for AI systems.
Evaluate AI system performance and contribute to the development of metrics, testing approaches, and governance mechanisms that ensure AI systems operate effectively and responsibly.
Identify and apply innovative technical solutions to address mission and business challenges, ensuring alignment with AI governance principles and organizational policies.
Provide subject matter expertise on AI governance, including best practices, risk mitigation strategies, and compliance considerations for AI and ML systems in a federal intelligence @context.
Essential Skills
Active TS/SCI security clearance.
Bachelor's degree combined with 10+ years of relevant experience in software engineering or software development.
Strong understanding of the full software development lifecycle, including both frontend and backend processes.
Hands-on experience with cloud platforms, with the ability to design, deploy, and manage applications in cloud environments.
Proficiency in JavaScript and experience working with backend technologies such as Python and Node.js.
Experience with containerization and orchestration tools, including Docker and Kubernetes.
Familiarity with relational and non-relational database systems, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, and other NoSQL technologies.
Demonstrated ability to design, build, test, and troubleshoot software systems that address complex analytical or computational problems.
Proven track record of applying innovative technical solutions to meet mission or business objectives.
Solid understanding of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning concepts, including AI system performance evaluation.
Experience in AI/ML development, including practical application of AI and ML techniques to real-world problems.
Experience in data science, including working with data to support analytical and AI-driven solutions.
Experience with software development in languages and environments commonly used in AI and ML projects.
Experience working with AI, machine learning, and data science in secure or mission-critical environments.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience working within a federal intelligence or defense environment.
Experience contributing to or implementing AI and ML policy or governance frameworks.
Familiarity with artificial intelligence and machine learning best practices in large-scale enterprise environments.
Experience collaborating with senior technical and non-technical stakeholders to align AI initiatives with strategic objectives.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical and AI governance concepts to diverse audiences.
Experience with AWS or similar cloud service providers for AI, ML, and data workloads.
Background in data science, including working with structured and unstructured data to support AI and analytics.
Experience with modern software engineering practices, including version control, testing, and continuous integration and deployment.
Interest in shaping national-level AI and ML policy and governance in collaboration with government leaders.
Work Environment
This position is based on site at the Pentagon within a large federal intelligence environment. You will work closely with senior technologists, architects, data professionals, and government leaders in a highly collaborative and mission-focused setting. The role involves working with modern technologies such as cloud platforms, AI and machine learning frameworks, JavaScript, Python, Node.js, Docker, Kubernetes, and relational and non-relational databases including PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, and other NoSQL systems. The environment emphasizes secure, reliable, and scalable solutions, with a strong focus on governance, policy, and the responsible use of AI and ML technologies.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Washington, VA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $175000.00 - $250000.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Washington,VA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
