Chief Architect & AI Engineer at NetCentrics Corporation – Herndon, Virginia

At NetCentrics, we are not looking for someone who simply talks about artificial intelligence, we are looking for someone who can architect it, build it, and deploy it securely in real federal mission environments.

As our Chief Architect & AI Engineer, you will lead the design and delivery of AI solutions that directly support national security and federal mission priorities. This role sits at the intersection of strategy, architecture, and hands-on engineering, requiring both technical depth and the ability to translate emerging AI capabilities into real operational outcomes.

Unlike large integrators where AI architects often become small parts of large bureaucratic teams, this position offers true ownership, visibility, and the opportunity to shape how AI is implemented across both our organization and client environments.

If you are someone who wants to move beyond theory and PowerPoint decks and instead build AI systems that are actually deployed and used, we want to talk.

What Makes This Role Different

Real Ownership
You will not be one of many architects buried inside a massive program structure. You will play a central role in shaping NetCentrics’ AI architecture strategy and delivery approach across multiple federal initiatives.

Direct Mission Impact
You will work directly with federal stakeholders and internal leadership to design and implement AI solutions that support real operational missions.

Agility Over Bureaucracy
Our teams move quickly, moving from concept to prototype to deployment without the layers of process that often slow innovation in larger organizations.

Visibility and Influence

• This role includes direct collaboration with senior leadership, program teams, and government stakeholders, giving you the opportunity to influence both technical direction and solution delivery.
• At NetCentrics, you will have real ownership, real visibility, and the ability to shape how AI is designed, delivered, and deployed across our programs.
• You will work side-by-side with leadership, engineers, and federal mission partners to solve real problems with real technology.

What You’ll Actually Be Doing

Lead AI Strategy for Real Missions

• Partner with federal stakeholders to identify high-impact AI opportunities and translate mission needs into actionable AI solutions.
• Shape AI strategy, technical roadmaps, and implementation plans aligned with program and national security priorities.
• Serve as the senior technical authority guiding AI architecture decisions across programs and initiatives.

Architect & Build AI Systems

• Design and implement end-to-end AI/ML solutions, including:
• Large Language Models (LLMs)
• Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architectures
• Vector databases and modern data architectures
• AI workflow orchestration frameworks
• Architect secure, scalable AI-native platforms capable of enterprise deployment in federal environments.
• Lead hands-on prototyping and proof-of-concept development to validate technical feasibility and mission impact.

Drive Delivery from Concept to Deployment

• Work closely with engineering teams to rapidly prototype, test, and iterate solutions.
• Guide solutions through the full lifecycle — concept ? prototype ? production deployment.
• Incorporate operational feedback and mission insights to continuously improve platforms and architectures.

Engage with Clients & Leadership

• Act as the primary technical liaison between government customers, internal teams, and external partners.
• Present architectural approaches and AI strategies to executive leadership and senior stakeholders.
• Translate complex AI concepts into clear, actionable insights for both technical and non-technical audiences.

Ensure Security, Compliance & Responsible AI

• Architect solutions that meet federal security and compliance frameworks, including RMF and FedRAMP.
• Ensure solutions follow ethical AI practices and strong data governance standards.
• Design secure AI systems deployed within AWS, Azure, or GCP cloud environments.

Required Qualifications

Experience

• 7+ years of experience in technical consulting, solution architecture, field engineering, or similar roles with a focus on AI/ML.
• Proven success leading AI/ML initiatives from concept through production.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, high-visibility technical programs.

Technical Expertise

• Deep hands-on experience with:
  • LLM-based systems and Generative AI pipelines
  • Prompt engineering, RAG, and orchestration frameworks (e.g., LangChain, Semantic Kernel)
  • Custom software development
• Strong cloud architecture experience (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
• Expertise with:
  • Containers (Docker, Kubernetes)
  • Infrastructure-as-Code (Terraform or similar)
  • Enterprise integration patterns

Leadership & Communication

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into mission and business impact.
• Strong analytical and architectural problem-solving skills.
• Customer-focused mindset with emphasis on measurable outcomes.

Clearance Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• DoD Sponsored Clearance (or the ability to obtain one)

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in Python and SQL.
• Experience working within federal data governance and security environments.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or related technical discipline.
• Experience supporting DoD, DHS, or Federal Civilian agencies.

Where You Belong

At the heart of our organization lies a set of five core values that guide every facet of our work. "Mission First" epitomizes our unwavering commitment to our goals. "People Always" underscores the significance we place on our team's well-being and development. We continually strive to "Be Eminent" by consistently pushing the boundaries of excellence. "Embrace the Team" reflects our unwavering belief in the power of collaboration, recognizing that together, we attain greatness. With every action, we "Act with a Purpose," ensuring that our efforts contribute meaningfully to a larger mission. These values serve as the bedrock of our company culture, propelling us forward as a united and purpose-driven team.

Why Join NetCentrics

Join us not just to be a part of safeguarding our nation, but to be at the forefront of innovation, where your ideas and expertise play a pivotal role in shaping the future of cybersecurity and IT. Together, we're not just protecting systems; we're pioneering them. Come be a part of our team and redefine the possibilities in our industry!

Commitment to Diversity

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status or on the basis of disability.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled