AI/ML Ops Engineer

Position Overview

Guidehouse is seeking a highly skilled professional to build, automate, and maintain CI/CD pipelines for artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and software applications. In this role you will work collaboratively with data scientists and developers to take code from staging to production while ensuring secure, scalable, and efficient deployments. An ACTIVE Secret clearance is required.

Responsibilities:

• Build, automate, and maintain CI/CD pipelines for AI/ML and software applications.
• Containerize applications/models and deploy them to cloud environments (e.g., Azure, AWS, etc.).
• Operationalize ML models including packaging, versioning, testing, deployment, and monitoring.
• Support data scientists and developers in taking developed code from staging to production.
• Ensure security integration between DevSecOps pipelines and cloud services, and configure monitoring and alerting for applications, pipelines, and ML models in production.
• Design and document technical process flows and diagrams, present them to clients, and address related inquiries.
• Ensure AI/ML deployments adhere to commercial and public sector guidelines, security practices, policies, and standards for responsible use of AI.
• Collaborate with data scientists and adjacent roles while providing technical guidance and mentorship to team members.
• Develop trusted relationships with clients by understanding their mission, challenges, and goals to deliver tailored solutions.
• Support business development efforts such as responding to RFPs/RFIs, developing white papers, and creating pitch decks.
• Engage in internal firm initiatives and continue professional development in technical and consulting skills.

Qualifications:

• An ACTIVE and maintained "SECRET" Federal or DoD security clearance.
• Education: Bachelor's degree is required.
• At least THREE (3) years of relevant professional experience.
• Proficiency in Git and modern branching/versioning workflows.
• Experience with CI/CD tools (Azure preferred) and ML model containerization, including Docker container build and deployment.
• Experience in Azure (or AWS) cloud environments with an understanding of optimizing compute, networking, and storage.
• Proficiency in Python programming and scripting in Bash/PowerShell.
• Understanding of Agile principles and methodology.
• Strong communication and presentation skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to think strategically, drive innovation, and operate both independently and collaboratively.
• Flexibility to work remotely, hybrid, or on-site in the DC metro area.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree.
• SIX (6) years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience supporting Department of State or other Federal Government organizations.
• Experience deploying AI/ML models on cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) including hybrid cloud deployments and cloud security practices.
• Experience with production ML model deployment using model versioning and rollback strategies.
• Understanding of data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) in relation to ML deployments.
• Knowledge of network security including firewalls, VPNs, secure communication protocols, and security compliance standards such as NIST, ISO 27001, and SOC 2.
• Exposure to automated testing frameworks for infrastructure and security validation.
• Experience supporting DevSecOps and integrating security into CI/CD workflows for AI/ML models.
• Experience with Jenkins and GitHub for version control and CI/CD pipeline integration.
• Experience with Docker for containerizing ML models and managing container lifecycles.
• Experience working with YAML files, PowerShell, and command-line scripting.
• Knowledge and experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Terraform and Ansible.
• Exposure to OpenShift for deploying and managing containerized applications in a Kubernetes-based environment.
• Familiarity with ML model serving frameworks like MLflow, Seldon, or TensorFlow Serving.
• Familiarity with Linux-based systems and shell scripting as well as monitoring and logging tools (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana, ELK stack).

Benefits:

• Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
• Parental Leave
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Group Term Life and Travel Assistance
• Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
• Health Savings Account, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Transit and Parking Commuter Benefits
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development, Certifications & Learning Opportunities
• Employee Referral Program
• Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
• Care.com annual membership
• Employee Assistance Program
• Supplemental Benefits via Corestream (Critical Care, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Assistance and ID theft protection, etc.)
• Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus