Smxtech

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lead (4856)

Quantico, VA Full Time

We are seeking a highly experienced AI Lead who can define, shape, and drive the future of enterprise Artificial Intelligence for a major federal security agency. This role is equal parts technical strategy, roadmap development, and executive consulting.

You will partner directly with the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer (CDAO) to guide AI adoption across the enterprise—translating mission challenges into actionable solutions, governing AI use, and ensuring responsible, impactful delivery.

This is an opportunity to influence agency-wide transformation and build AI capabilities that directly support national-security missions. This role is onsite in Quantico, VA.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Serve as the senior advisor to the CDAO on AI strategy, prioritization, adoption, and roadmap development.
  • Translate mission needs and business problems into technically feasible AI solutions.
  • Lead and oversee enterprise AI initiatives, ensuring alignment with governance, security, and responsible AI expectations.
  • Facilitate AI intake, use-case evaluation, feasibility analysis, and prioritization.
  • Communicate complex technical concepts to executives, mission partners, and nontechnical stakeholders.
  • Identify risks, dependencies, resourcing gaps, and opportunities for automation and optimization across programs.
  • Provide guidance on AI architecture, development patterns, and integration approaches.
  • Support vendor coordination, technical oversight, and cross-team alignment.

Required Skills & Experience 

  • 3–5 years of hands-on AI/ML, applied AI, or generative AI experience.
  • 10–15 years of related professional experience in technical leadership, architecture, management consulting, or digital transformation.
  • Demonstrated experience developing enterprise AI strategies, roadmaps, or modernization plans.
  • Strong communication and consulting skills—comfortable presenting to SES/Executive leadership.
  • Experience working within complex environments (federal agencies, large enterprises, or regulated industries).
  • Active Secret clearance. 

Desired Skills & Experience 

  • Experience supporting security, intelligence, or vetting missions.
  • Background in Azure AI, Microsoft 365 Copilot, or large language model (LLM) integration.
  • Familiarity with NIST AI RMF, DoD AI Ethical Principles, or enterprise AI governance frameworks.
  • Experience leading multidisciplinary teams (engineering, data, product, UX, cybersecurity).
  • Prior experience defining KPIs and value-realization for AI initiatives.

Application Deadline:  1-30-2026

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The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.

The proposed salary for this position is:
$172,900$272,400 USD

 

At SMX®, we are a team of technical and domain experts dedicated to enabling your mission. From priority national security initiatives for the DoD to highly assured and compliant solutions for healthcare, we understand that digital transformation is key to your future success.

We share your vision for the future and strive to accelerate your impact on the world. We bring both cutting edge technology and an expansive view of what’s possible to every engagement. Our delivery model and unique approaches harness our deep technical and domain knowledge, providing forward-looking insights and practical solutions to power secure mission acceleration.

SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans.

Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.

SMX does not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1 and O-1, or any EADs or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).