AI Engineer

We are seeking an AI Engineer to design, develop, and deploy secure, innovative AI solutions leveraging generative AI, large language models (LLMs), and modern cloud platforms. This role requires a strong foundation in AI/ML engineering, software development best practices, and the ability to work autonomously while collaborating across diverse teams.

Key Responsibilities
Cloud Integrations: Design and implement AI solutions integrated with cloud platforms such as Azure and AWS, ensuring scalability and security.
AI & ML Pipeline Development: Build and optimize end-to-end AI pipelines and ML workflows for training, fine-tuning, and deploying models.
LLM Development: Fine-tune foundation models and/or train custom LLMs; integrate LLMs into enterprise applications and systems.
Generative AI Solutions: Leverage LLMs and related frameworks for application and systems development.
Secure-by-Design Development: Implement robust security practices in software development using modern, high-level languages.
Performance Evaluation: Conduct comprehensive evaluations of AI/ML pipelines, model performance, generative AI capabilities, and code quality; iterate for continuous improvement.
AI Engineering Operations: Apply MLOps and AI engineering best practices, including containerization, CI/CD pipelines, monitoring, and lifecycle management.
Technical Documentation: Produce clear, comprehensive documentation and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Mentorship & Peer Training: Provide guidance, mentorship, and training for team members and peers to foster knowledge sharing and skill development.
Research & Innovation: Participate in research and development initiatives, pilot programs, and innovation sprints to explore Client AI capabilities and opportunities.

Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in computer science, Data Science, Engineering, or related field with 3+ years of experience; or a master's degree with 1+ year of experience in AI/ML-focused development
Demonstrated experience with cloud-based AI/ML services and tools in Azure and/or AWS environments.
Hands-on experience with GenAI frameworks (e.g., OpenAI, Azure OpenAI, Hugging Face), LLMs, and agent frameworks (e.g., LangChain, Semantic Kernel).
Proficiency in Python and related AI/ML libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Scikit-learn.
Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, containerization (Docker), and DevOps for ML (MLOps) practices.

Experience
Proven track record in designing AI/ML pipelines and deploying AI solutions.
Hands-on experience with LLM fine-tuning, generative AI, and secure software development.
Familiarity with DevOps/MLOps tools (Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD).
Technical Skills
Proficiency in Python and frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn.
Experience with OpenAI, Azure OpenAI, Hugging Face, LangChain, Semantic Kernel.
Knowledge of cloud platforms: Azure, AWS; exposure to Power Platform and Microsoft Copilot is a plus.
Strong communication skills and ability to advocate for projects and departmental goals.

Preferred Attributes
Ability to work independently and drive initiatives forward.
Commitment to responsible AI development and secure data handling.
Collaborative mindset with a passion for innovation.
Has Project been awarded to Battelle? Yes
Has funding been granted? yes
Are you working with any other outside vendors or Battelle Procurement to source for this need? Yes, working with internal resources.
Is Battelle also sourcing this role for a full-time employee? yes
Is this role onsite or remote? (If remote, can they work remote for entirety of project?) What is the physical work location address? On sight, preferably Columbus but open to Chantilly, VA\Crystal City, VA
Job Title: AI Engineer
Is the candidate required to ====? yes
Is a clearance required for this role? no
If so, is this required as a contractor or only if they are hired on at Battelle? n/a
How many hours a week will the contractor work? 40
Top 3 criteria/must haves for the position? Python, LLM (RAG and Training\fine-tuning), Azure\AWS infrastructure configuration)
Are there any technologies that candidates absolutely have to have experience with? ? Python, LLM (RAG and Training\fine-tuning), Azure\AWS infrastructure configuration)
What will the interview process look like? 1 hour Teams call with technical team, then onsite.
Will you hire off of the phone or Skype if the candidate is not local but willing to relocate for the job? potentially
What is the timeline for hire? asap
Why the positions are open? Expanding our AI technologies
Do you have any upcoming time out of office? no
Is this a temp to perm opportunity? yes