Senior AI Technical Lead - DoD/Air Force Focus

Overview

Join a team where innovation meets mission. Our AI, cloud, cyber, and modernization solutions save agencies thousands of hours, safeguard national security, and strengthen health and humanitarian missions worldwide. With 1,700+ team members, 1,500+ AI/data experts, and 100+ prime contracts, we deliver at scale and with purpose.

We’ve been recognized as a Top Workplace by the Washington Post for six straight years and named to the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies 13 of the past 14 years. Credence is a welcoming home for those looking to grow and contribute to positive change. We encourage all employees to expand beyond their boundaries, dive into important world-changing Federal challenges.

Position Summary

Credence has an immediate need for a Senior AI Technical Lead to support our AI and Automation practice, delivering advanced AI/ML solutions for the Department of Defense (DoD) and U.S. Air Force programs. This role is pivotal in designing, developing, and deploying mission-critical AI capabilities that enhance operational effectiveness, resilience, and security for warfighters and federal stakeholders. You will lead cross-functional teams, shape technical strategy, and mentor engineers in a dynamic, mission-driven environment supporting Air Force and DoD modernization initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of scalable AI/ML models and systems tailored to DoD and Air Force operational requirements.
• Translate complex mission needs into technical solutions supporting Air Force core functions, including autonomy, human-machine teaming, and decision support.
• Oversee the full AI/ML lifecycle: architecture, experimentation, rapid prototyping, and performance optimization, ensuring alignment with DoD acquisition and risk management frameworks.
• Collaborate with DevOps, Data Engineering, and Cybersecurity teams to integrate AI into secure, production-grade environments, leveraging Air Force technology stacks (e.g., Cloud One, DISA, DevSecOps CI/CD).
• Ensure all solutions meet DoD and Air Force security, compliance, and cloud architecture standards (RMF, FedRAMP, Zero Trust, CDAO guidance).
• Provide technical mentorship, conduct code/design reviews, and foster a culture of responsible AI and ethical innovation.
• Research and evaluate emerging AI/ML tools, technologies, and frameworks to drive innovation and maintain competitive advantage for the Air Force.
• Support implementation of Air Force and DoD AI initiatives, including AI Accelerator, Phantom Fellowship, and digital modernization programs.

Requirements:
• Master’s degree in AI, Machine Learning, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in AI/ML solution development, preferably supporting DoD, Air Force, or federal programs.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical teams and architecting solutions in Agile/SAFe environments.
• Strong understanding of agentic AI (Transformers, Model Context Protocol, Agent2Agent Protocol, LangGraph, etc.).
• Proficiency in Python and Typescript for advanced application development and scripting.
• Experience deploying AI solutions in AWS, Azure, GCP, and DoD-approved cloud environments (Cloud One, DISA).
• Familiarity with CI/CD, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), DevSecOps, and Air Force IT processes.
• Knowledge of DoD/Air Force cybersecurity mandates, RMF, FedRAMP, and Zero Trust Architecture.
• Experience with Agile methodologies and tools (Git, Jira).
• Must be a U.S. Citizen and eligible to obtain a DoD Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Air Force or DoD digital modernization projects, including migration of complex systems to secure cloud environments.
• Strong understanding of data engineering, data modeling, and data visualization (Power BI, Tableau).
• Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma, ITIL, and service-oriented architecture (SOA) frameworks.
• Prior experience supporting early defense contract awards and working with Air Force stakeholders (AFLCMC, AFRL, C5ISR, etc.).

Locations:
Hybrid: McLean, VA; Hanscom AFB – Bedford, MA; Rome, New York & Robins Air Force Base

Base salary: $160,000–$210,000. Final compensation is flexible and will be determined based on the candidate’s experience, technical depth, and clearance level.

Benefits:
• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Free Food & Snacks
• Wellness Resources