AI Engineer

Overview

Expression is seeking a hands-on AI Engineer to support the continued growth of our Data Science Department. This candidate possesses a blend of deep generative-AI expertise with solid data-science and data-engineering skills. You will design, build, and optimize end-to-end AI/ML solutions—from data pipelines through large-language-model (LLM) prototypes—to deliver measurable impact for U.S. Government customers. The ideal candidate thrives in a highly technical, collaborative environment and excels at turning cutting-edge research into production systems.

Work Location & Travel

• Hybrid (2-3 days/week on-site) at our HQ office or our Client office in downtown DC. Travel Requirement: ~10% for user validation events and training.
• Relocation assistance available for highly qualified candidates.
  
  

Security Clearance

• Secret (or higher) clearance and eligibility for NTIA Clearance
  
  

Primary Responsibilities

• Design, build, and deploy generative-AI and LLM/RAG systems tailored to customer missions.
• Develop and maintain scalable data pipelines (ETL/ELT, streaming, lakehouse) that feed AI/ML workloads.
• Own the full ML lifecycle—problem definition, data prep, model training, evaluation, MLOps, and secure deployment.
• Conduct rapid prototyping and research to evaluate emerging AI technologies; transition promising prototypes to production.
• Collaborate with Program Managers, SMEs, Architects, Product Designers, Engineers, and fellow Data Scientists to translate mission needs into scalable solutions.
• Mentor junior engineers/data scientists and promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, AI, Statistics, or a related discipline.
• 3 + years developing and deploying AI/ML models (including at least 1 year with LLMs, RAG, or GenAI frameworks such as GPT, LangChain, or GAN).
• 2 + years building production data pipelines and working with SQL/NoSQL/graph databases.
• Advanced knowledge of machine-learning algorithms, statistics, and prompt-engineering techniques.
• Proficiency in Python (preferred) and one additional language (e.g., Java).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of creating technical documentation for varied audiences.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• MS/PhD in Computer Science, Data Science, AI, or related field.
• Experience with cloud AI/ML stacks (AWS, Azure Databricks & OpenAI Service, or GCP).
• Familiarity with data-engineering tooling (Spark Streaming, Kafka, Lakehouse) and MLOps practices.
• Hands-on experience with NLP, LLM fine-tuning, and GenAI-enabled workflows (coding assistance, testing, analytics).
• Agile/Scrum development experience and comfort with short release cycles.
  
  

Benefits

• Competitive salary plus performance-based incentives
• 401(k) with company matching
• PPO and HDHP medical/dental/vision plans
• Education reimbursement
• Complimentary life insurance
• Generous PTO and holiday leave
• On-site office gym access & commuter benefits
• In-office cold-brew coffee (for those visiting HQ)
  
  

About Expression

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Washington, DC, Expression delivers data-fusion, analytics, software-engineering, IT, and electromagnetic-spectrum-management solutions for the U.S. DoD, Department of State, and national-security community. Our “Perpetual Innovation” culture emphasizes rapid, agile delivery and sustainable value. Expression was ranked #1 on Washington Technology’s 2018 Fast 50 and recognized by CIO Review as a Top 20 Big Data Solutions Provider.

Expression is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled.