Senior AI/ML Engineer

Raft ( https://TeamRaft.com ) is a customer-obsessed non-traditional small business with a purposeful focus on Distributed Data Systems, Platforms at Scale, and Complex Application Development, with headquarters in Reston, VA. Our range of clients includes innovative federal and public agencies leveraging design thinking, cutting-edge tech stack, and cloud-native ecosystem. We build digital solutions that impact the lives of millions of Americans.

We’re looking for an experienced Senior AI/ML Engineer to support our customers and join our passionate team of high-impact problem solvers.

About the role:

As Senior AI/ML Engineer, you will collaborate with a cross-functional data team comprising other AI/ML Engineers, DevSecOps engineers, Product Owners, Data Engineers, Data Analysts, and Data Scientists. Your primary responsibility will be to develop Machine Learning models that are integral to a larger pipeline delivering value to our end customers.

What we are looking for:

• 1-3 years of relevant hands-on experience
• Proven capability in deploying Machine Learning models, particularly using frameworks such as PyTorch
• Experience with Computer Vision or Natural Language Processing (NLP)
• Strong background in software engineering with proficiency in Python
• Experience with data processing frameworks such as Apache Spark
• Experience building and maintaining Machine Learning pipelines
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Excellent problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail
• Familiarity with Scrum/Agile development methodologies and DevOps tools, including Git
• Fast learner, analytical thinker, creative, hands-on, strong communication skills
• Required to obtain Security+ certification within the first 90 days of employment

Highly preferred:

• Exposure to unmanned systems technologies and working with sensor and geospatial data
• Experience deploying and tuning Large Language Models (LLMs) including both encoder-decoder and decoder-only
• Active contributions to open-source projects or visible GitHub repositories
• Knowledge of container orchestration systems, particularly Kubernetes

Clearance Requirements:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance

Work Type:

• Remote
• May require up to 20% travel

Salary Range:

• $110,000 – $180,000
• The determination of compensation is predicated upon a candidate’s comprehensive experience, demonstrated skill, and proven abilities

What we will offer you:

• Highly competitive salary
• Fully covered healthcare, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) and company match
• Take as you need PTO + 11 paid holidays
• Education & training benefits
• Annual budget for your tech/gadgets needs
• Monthly box of yummy snacks to eat while doing meaningful work
• Remote, hybrid, and flexible work options
• Team off-site in fun places!
• Generous Referral Bonuses
• And More!

Our Vision Statement:

We bridge the gap between humans and data through radical transparency and our obsession with the mission.

Our Customer Obsession:

We will approach every deliverable like it’s a product. We will adopt a customer-obsessed mentality. As we grow, and our footprint becomes larger, teams and employees will treat each other not only as teammates but customers. We must live the customer-obsessed mindset, always. This will help us scale and it will translate to the interactions that our Rafters have with their clients and other product teams that they integrate with. Our culture will enable our success and set us apart from other companies.

How do we get there?

Public-sector modernization is critical for us to live in a better world. We, at Raft, want to innovate and solve complex problems. And, if we are successful, our generation and the ones that follow us will live in a delightful, efficient, and accessible world where out-of-box thinking, and collaboration is a norm.

Raft’s core philosophy is Ubuntu: I Am, Because We are. We support our “nadi” by elevating the other Rafters. We work as a hyper collaborative team where each team member brings a unique perspective, adding value that did not exist before. People make Raft special. We celebrate each other and our cognitive and cultural diversity. We are devoted to our practice of innovation and collaboration.

We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.