Skip to main content
Steampunk logo

AI Tech Lead

Steampunk

McLean, VA · HybridJob$140–180K/yrPosted 1 day agoSeen in employer's feed today

See where you stand before you apply. No sign-up to start.

You apply on the posting's application page, with no Olive account needed.

Watch jobs like this.

Don't just apply. Show up ready.

Olive works from this exact posting.

At a glance

Compensation
$140–180K/yr
Location
McLean, VAHybrid
Work Authorization
Not specified

Olive focuses on jobs in the United States, including remote roles you can work from there.

Requirements

Credentials this posting asks for.

Public Trust clearance, requiredBachelor's degree, required

Job overview

Steampunk is seeking an AI Tech Lead to develop enterprise predictive and generative AI solutions with its team and clients. The role leads developers, architects AI/ML systems, and spans data science development, from machine learning pipelines to production deployment and MLOps. The lead also drives AI adoption, supports ethical and privacy-conscious development, and contributes to the growth of the AI & Data Exploitation Practice.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Python, requiredTensorFlow, requiredPyTorch, requiredScikit-Learn, requiredMachine Learning Algorithms, requiredDeep Learning Architectures, requiredNatural Language Processing, requiredCloud Platforms, requiredAWS, requiredAzure, requiredGCP, requiredAI Deployment, requiredDevSecOps, requiredCI/CD Pipelines, requiredHadoop, requiredSpark, requiredDistributed Computing, requiredContainerization, requiredDocker, requiredKubernetes, requiredData Structures, requiredAlgorithms, requiredSoftware Design Patterns, requiredCommunication, requiredTechnical Leadership, requiredTeam Leadership, requiredAgile Methodologies, requiredProject Management Tools, required

Qualifications

Public Trust Eligibility, requiredWilling to Travel Onsite, requiredBachelor's Degree + 8 Years Experience, required5+ Years Software Engineering Experience, required

Full job description

Overview

We are looking for seasoned AI Tech Lead to work with our team and our clients to develop enterprise grade predictive and generative AI solutions, applications, pipelines, visualizations, and more! The AI Tech Lead needs to be a technologist with excellent communication and customer service skills and a passion for data and problem solving. This role spans the spectrum of data science development work.

Contributions

  • Lead and mentor a team of developers working on cutting-edge predictive and generative AI solutions.

  • Architect and oversee the development of scalable AI/ML systems, ensuring best practices in software engineering and AI ethics.

  • Drive the adoption of AI technologies across the organization, collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify and implement AI-driven solutions.

  • Design and implement end-to-end machine learning pipelines, from data ingestion to model deployment and monitoring.

  • Establish and enforce best practices for AI development, including version control, testing, and documentation.

  • Oversee the integration of AI models into production environments, ensuring seamless deployment and optimal performance.

  • Collaborate with data scientists to translate complex algorithms into efficient, production-ready code.

  • Implement and maintain robust MLOps practices to streamline the AI development lifecycle.

  • Stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI/ML technologies and evaluate their potential application for our clients.

  • Ensure compliance with data privacy regulations and ethical AI guidelines throughout the development process.

  • You will contribute to the growth of our AI & Data Exploitation Practice!

Qualifications

  • Ability to hold a position of public trust with the US government

  • Willing to travel onsite to Vienna, VA 3 times per week.

  • Bachelor's degree + 8 years of experience

  • 5+ years of experience in software engineering, focused on AI/ML development.

  • Proven track record of leading and mentoring teams of developers in AI projects.

  • Strong programming skills in Python, with experience in AI/ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit-learn.

  • Extensive knowledge of machine learning algorithms, deep learning architectures, and natural language processing techniques.

  • Proficiency in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and experience with deploying AI solutions at scale.

  • Solid understanding of DevSecOps principles and experience implementing CI/CD pipelines for AI projects.

  • Familiarity with big data technologies such as Hadoop, Spark, and distributed computing concepts.

  • Experience with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker) and orchestration tools (e.g., Kubernetes).

  • Strong understanding of data structures, algorithms, and software design patterns.

  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

  • Demonstrated ability to balance technical leadership with hands-on development when needed.

  • Experience with agile methodologies and project management tools.

About steampunk

Steampunk relies on several factors to determine salary, including but not limited to geographic location, contractual requirements, education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience. The projected compensation range for this position is $140,000 to $180,000. The estimate displayed represents a typical annual salary range for this position. Annual salary is just one aspect of Steampunk’s total compensation package for employees. Learn more about additional Steampunk benefits here.

Identity Statement

As part of the application process, you are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.

Steampunk is a Change Agent in the Federal contracting industry, bringing new thinking to clients in the Homeland, Federal Civilian, Health and DoD sectors. Through our Human-Centered delivery methodology , we are fundamentally changing the expectations our Federal clients have for true shared accountability in solving their toughest mission challenges. If you want to learn more about our story, visit http://www.steampunk.com .

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Steampunk participates in the E-Verify program.

Refer a Friend (https://careers-steampunk.icims.com/jobs/8396/ai-tech-lead/job?mode=apply&apply=yes&in\_iframe=1&hashed=-336029103)

Need help finding the right job?

We can recommend jobs specifically for you!Software Powered by ICIMS (https://careers-steampunk.icims.com/connect?back=intro&findajob=1&in\_iframe=1&hashed=-435593565)

Job Location US-VA-McLean

Posted Date (11/12/2026 10:32 AM)

Job ID 8396

Clearance Requirement Public Trust

How this job compares

Set against the 7,396 open AI Engineer jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 13, 2026.

Pay
  • This posting$140–180K/yr
  • Virginia median$135–225K/yr310 salary ranges
  • US median$131–235K/yr6,382 salary ranges

This range's midpoint, $160K, is 12% below the Virginia median midpoint ($181K) — in the middle half of AI Engineer salary ranges in Virginia.

Openings
Olive Jobs lists 336 open AI Engineer jobs in Virginia and 7,396 across the US. 9% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
Hiring the most in Virginia
Experience
This posting asks for at least 5 years of experience; AI Engineer postings that state a minimum ask for 5 years at the median (6,476 postings).
Education
This posting asks for a bachelor's degree; 3,054 of the 7,396 open AI Engineer jobs (41%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.

Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on November 13, 2026. Figures based on too few postings are left out.

Prepare for this role

You've read the whole posting — now see how you match it.