IP Network Solutions an IT Solutions and Government Contracting company is seeking a Lead AI/ML Engineer to lead the design and development of AI models, optimizing inference pipelines for performance, accuracy, and ethical compliance for our US Customs & Border Protection customer.
Location: Ashburn, VA
Hybrid / On-site as required (CBP operational environment)
Must be eligible to support U.S. CBP systems
Employment Type
Full-Time
Clearance Requirement
Top Secret (ability to obtain required DHS/CBP suitability check as well)
Position Overview
IP Network Solutions (IPNS) is seeking a Lead AI/ML Engineer to design, develop, and deploy a mission-critical, operationally ready artificial intelligence and machine learning solution in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This role will lead technical architecture, model development, and production deployment of AI/ML capabilities that enhance CBP’s operational effectiveness, situational awareness, and decision-making across mission environments.
The Lead AI/ML Engineer will bridge data science, software engineering, and operational requirements, ensuring solutions are secure, scalable, explainable, and compliant with DHS, CBP, and federal AI governance standards.
Key ResponsibilitiesTechnical Leadership
- Serve as the technical lead for AI/ML solution development, from concept through operational deployment and sustainment
- Translate CBP mission needs and operational use cases into scalable AI/ML architectures
- Lead model selection, training, evaluation, and optimization for real-world mission performance
- Establish best practices for MLOps, CI/CD pipelines, model monitoring, and lifecycle management
AI/ML Development & Deployment
- Design and implement machine learning, deep learning, and/or NLP models supporting CBP operational missions
- Develop data pipelines for structured and unstructured data ingestion, labeling, feature engineering, and model training
- Ensure models are production-ready, performant, and resilient in constrained or high-availability environments
- Implement explainability, bias mitigation, and model validation to support trustworthy AI
Security, Compliance & Governance
- Ensure AI/ML solutions comply with DHS, CBP, NIST, and federal cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., NIST SP 800-53, RMF)
- Support Authority to Operate (ATO) activities by providing technical documentation, security artifacts, and risk mitigation strategies
- Incorporate privacy-by-design and data protection controls consistent with federal requirements
- Support Responsible AI practices aligned with DHS AI Strategy and OMB guidance
Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
- Collaborate with CBP stakeholders, product owners, analysts, and operational users to refine requirements
- Mentor junior engineers and data scientists across AI/ML and software engineering disciplines
- Coordinate with cybersecurity, cloud, and systems engineering teams to ensure seamless integration
- Provide technical briefings and demonstrations to government leadership and program stakeholders
Required QualificationsEducation & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or related field (Master’s preferred)
- 8+ years of experience in software engineering or data science, with 5+ years focused on AI/ML
- 2+ years in a technical lead or architect role supporting enterprise or mission systems
Technical Skills
- Strong proficiency in AI Technology*: Vertex AI Gemini 3, google-cloud-AIplatform SDK* Scikit-learn)
- Experience with cloud-based AI/ML services (AWS, Azure, or GCP), preferably in government environments
- Hands-on experience with MLOps, containerization (Docker), and orchestration (Kubernetes)
- Experience developing APIs and integrating AI/ML models into operational systems
- Knowledge of data engineering tools, databases, and data pipelines
Federal / Mission Experience
- Experience supporting federal civilian agencies, DHS, DoD, or law enforcement organizations preferred
- Familiarity with CBP operational missions, border security, trade, or enforcement analytics is a strong plus
- Experience supporting ATO processes and operating in regulated federal environments
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s in AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, or related field
- Experience with computer vision, NLP, anomaly detection, or predictive analytics
- Knowledge of Zero Trust architectures and secure AI system design
- Prior experience delivering AI systems from prototype to fielded operational capability
Key Competencies
- Mission-focused problem solving
- Technical leadership and mentorship
- Strong communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Ability to deliver under regulatory and operational constraints
- Commitment to ethical, explainable, and responsible AI
Why IP Network Solutions (IPNS)
At IPNS, you will work on high-impact national security and border protection missions, delivering cutting-edge AI/ML solutions that directly support CBP operators and decision-makers. This role offers the opportunity to shape AI capabilities from inception to operational deployment in a real-world federal mission environment.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: From $185,000.00 per year
Application Question(s):
- Do you have experience working with MLOps, containerization (Docker), and orchestration (Kubernetes)?
Security clearance:
- Top Secret (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Ashburn, VA