AI/ML Developer, Tech Lead - SME

Position Description:

LCG is seeking an AI/ML Developer, Tech Lead who will play a critical role in designing, developing, and implementing AI and Machine Learning (ML) solutions within the client space. This position focuses on utilizing AI/ML technologies to enhance accessibility, inclusiveness, automation, and the overall customer experience. The successful candidate will lead technical developments of pilots and innovative solutions, aligning with the agency's mission to ensure access to food and promote healthful diets for children and needy families through federal nutrition assistance programs.

This role requires deep expertise in AI/ML and a commitment to creating mission-driven, human-centered solutions. The individual will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including program managers, design strategists, and data experts, to execute the client Innovation Strategic Roadmap effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities:

• AI/ML Development:
• Lead the development and deployment of AI/ML models and algorithms to optimize and enhance FNS services, demonstrating strategic thinking by aligning initiatives with broader business objectives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and prioritize AI/ML use cases, leveraging an innovation mindset to propose creative solutions that drive mission impact and improve customer experience.
• Implement data-driven solutions using ML frameworks, showcasing problem-solving and analytical skills to address complex challenges in food assistance program optimization, participant accessibility, and automation.
• Technical Leadership:
• Serve as the technical lead for AI/ML development projects, guiding the team on best practices and tool selection while fostering a client-centric focus to meet user needs effectively.
• Participate in roadmap planning sessions to identify opportunities for AI-driven pilots, embodying an agility and adaptability approach to pivot as project requirements evolve.
• Oversee AI/ML model evaluation and performance tuning, ensuring compliance with USDA standards while maintaining resilience and perseverance in driving projects to completion.
• Pilot Initiatives and Innovations:
• Engage in the rapid development of six pilot initiatives within the first 120 days of contract award, emphasizing leadership and influence by inspiring multidisciplinary teams to embrace innovative practices.
• Support the iterative development of AI/ML-based pilots, ensuring alignment with FNS's goals of accessibility and efficiency while maintaining an ethical and inclusive approach to AI practices.
• Communicate technical feasibility assessments and pilot outcomes to federal leadership, stakeholders, and users, reinforcing a strategic mindset to convey long-term growth opportunities.
• Project Management Support:
• Provide program management support for AI/ML initiatives, developing detailed project plans, schedules, and progress monitoring, demonstrating technical savvy in managing digital projects.
• Collaborate with users and federal stakeholders to gather AI/ML requirements and translate them into functional solutions, ensuring a client-centric focus on project outcomes.
• Ensure adherence to agile methodologies throughout the development lifecycle, actively participating in sprint planning, reviews, and retrospectives to promote an innovation mindset within the team.
• Training and Knowledge Transfer:
• Provide knowledge transfer and cross-training to federal staff on AI/ML operations and governance, fostering a resilient and adaptable workforce prepared for future challenges.
• Develop a blueprint for AI/ML program adoption and transfer for advanced pilots, ensuring scalability and sustainability within the FNS ecosystem, while promoting an inclusive approach to stakeholder engagement.
• Governance and Ethics:
• Maintain a focus on ethical AI practices, ensuring that AI/ML models are designed with fairness, transparency, and accountability, adhering to an ethical and inclusive approach.
• Ensure AI/ML implementations comply with USDA's guidelines for civil rights, equity, and public trust, emphasizing strategic thinking in navigating regulatory frameworks.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, AI/ML, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in AI/ML solution development.
• Proven experience with AI/ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, etc.
• Experience with data engineering, big data technologies, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) for AI/ML deployment.
• Experience leading or participating in pilot initiatives, particularly in government or public sector environments.
• Certifications: Relevant AI/ML certifications are a plus (e.g., AWS Certified Machine Learning, Microsoft AI Engineer, etc.).
• Proficiency in Python, R, or other programming languages commonly used in AI/ML development.
• Familiarity with natural language processing (NLP), computer vision, deep learning, and other AI techniques.
• Strong project management skills, with experience managing Agile development teams and iterative processes.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities, focusing on human-centered AI/ML applications.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively use AI/ML tools, including Microsoft 365 Copilot, to optimize development workflows, automate routine tasks, and enhance productivity.
• Skilled in guiding team members to leverage AI/ML tools, including Microsoft 365 Copilot, to improve collaboration, streamline machine learning model development, and automate repetitive processes.

Compensation and Benefits:

The projected compensation range for this position is $137,100 to $171,800 per year benchmarked in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The target salary is $152,200. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. Salary at LCG is determined by various factors, including but not limited to role, location, the combination of education/training, knowledge, skills, competencies, certifications, and work experience.

LCG offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package which includes health insurance options (medical, dental, vision), life and disability insurance, retirement plan contributions, as well as paid leave, federal holidays, professional development, and lifestyle benefits.

Devoted to Fair and Inclusive Practices:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

If you are interested in applying for employment with LCG and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, contact our Human Resources department by email at

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