AI Architect

Overview

Acuity is looking for an AI Architect that will lead the design, development, and implementation of secure, scalable artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions supporting U.S. federal agency missions. This role operates within highly regulated environments and requires deep expertise in cloud architecture, data governance, and compliance frameworks. The AI Architect will ensure all solutions meet federal security standards while delivering actionable intelligence and automation capabilities

Why Acuity?

Looking to make a difference, to help keep people safe, or even to save lives through your work with technology? Join Acuity’s team of experts to have an impact on our government’s critical missions. Acuity, Inc. is a consulting firm that supports federal agencies in the areas of IT Modernization, Data Enablement, and Hyperautomation.

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement AI/ML solutions aligned with federal mission objectives (e.g., defense, intelligence, civilian agencies)

• Design secure AI systems compliant with federal frameworks such as NIST Risk Management Framework and FedRAMP

• Lead development of AI solutions in classified, controlled unclassified (CUI), or high-security environments

• Integrate AI/ML capabilities into existing enterprise architectures and legacy government systems

• Define AI governance, model risk management, and responsible AI practices in accordance with federal guidelines

• Collaborate with program managers, contracting officers, cybersecurity teams, and mission stakeholders

• Guide cloud-based AI deployments in GovCloud environments (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government)

• Oversee MLOps pipelines with auditability, traceability, and compliance in mind

• Ensure data handling aligns with federal data privacy and security regulations

• Provide technical leadership across cross-functional contractor and government teams

• Support proposal development, technical volumes, and solution architecture for new contract bids

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or related field

• 8+ years of experience in software engineering, data engineering, or machine learning

• 3+ years of experience architecting AI/ML solutions in government or highly regulated environments

• Strong experience with secure system design and compliance-driven architecture

• Proficiency in Python, Java, or similar languages

• Experience working in Agile and/or DevSecOps environments

Technical Skills

• AI/ML frameworks: TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn

• Experience with large language models (LLMs) and generative AI in secure environments

• Data platforms: Databricks, Spark, Hadoop (with secure configurations)

• MLOps tools with compliance tracking (model versioning, lineage, explainability)

• API and microservices architecture in zero-trust environments

• Experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) in secure clusters

• Knowledge of Zero Trust Architecture and secure data pipelines

Regulatory & Domain Expertise

• Strong familiarity with:

• FISMA

• NIST 800-53

• DoD 8570 / 8140

• FedRAMP Moderate/High baselines

• Experience handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and classified data

• Understanding of Authority to Operate (ATO) processes

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting agencies such as Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, or Intelligence Community organizations

• Experience with contract vehicles (e.g., GWACs, IDIQs) and federal procurement processes

• Background in mission areas such as cybersecurity, intelligence analysis, or logistics

• Experience contributing to technical proposals (RFP/RFQ responses)

• Federal & Security Certifications:

  • CompTIA Security+ (often required for DoD roles)
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

Cloud & AI Certifications:

* AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty (GovCloud experience preferred) 
* Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate (Azure Government) 
* Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer

Architecture Certifications:

* TOGAF 
* AWS/Azure/GCP Solutions Architect certifications

Clearance Requirement

• Active security clearance (Secret or Top Secret; TS/SCI clearance preferred) or eligibility to obtain one

About Acuity

At Acuity, your work matters—and so does your experience. We’re a management and technology consulting firm supporting critical federal missions, where you’ll have the opportunity to solve meaningful challenges, work alongside high-performing teams, and make a real impact from day one.

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

Grow Your Career, Your Way We invest in you with personalized development plans, mentorship, and up to $3,000 annually for training and certifications and up to $3,000 for degree seeking programs—so you can keep building the career you want.

Be Part of Something Innovative You’ll work on cutting-edge solutions that support important government missions, in an environment that encourages new ideas and continuous improvement.

Thrive in a People-First Culture Collaboration, respect, and support aren’t just values—they’re how we operate. Your voice is heard, your contributions are recognized, and your success is shared.

Feel Valued and Rewarded We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a strong focus on work-life balance so you can perform at your best—at work and at home.

Join an Award-Winning Team Our employees consistently rank us among the best—earning honors like Best Places to Work (Washington Business Journal, 9+ years) and Top Workplaces (The Washington Post, 2022–2025).

Bring Your Whole Self to Work We’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Make Your Impact

Join Acuity and be part of a team where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your work drives meaningful outcomes.

Learn more: www.myacuity.com

Acuity is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Recruiting Scams and Fraud

Acuity Inc. has been made aware of fraudulent job postings and individuals impersonating company recruiters. These scams may include fake job offers, requests for sensitive personal information, or demands for payment.

Please note:

• Acuity never asks candidates to pay for job applications, equipment, or training.

• All official communications will come from an @myacuity.com email address.

• If you are unsure about a job posting or recruiter, please verify the opportunity on our Careers page.

If you believe you have been targeted by a scam or have concerns about the authenticity of a job listing claiming to represent Acuity Inc., please contact us atcareers@myacuity.com. Protecting your security and trust is important to us.