Senior AI Technical Lead

Credence Open · verified Oct 24, 2026

On-site McLean Full-time Senior Engineering Leadership

At a glance

Senior Engineering Leadership role at Credence. McLean · full-time · $185,000–$215,000 base.

SalaryStated by Credence

$185,000 – $215,000

Base salary for this role, in USD per year, as published in the posting.

This role, from CredenceOur estimate for the market: $180,375–$219,825Median $200,500

The range includes the market median of $200,500 for senior engineering leadership roles in McLean.

Worked out from 8 postings that stated pay, median $200,500. Last updated Oct 14, 2026.

RoleEngineering Leadership

SenioritySenior

LocationMcLean

WorkplaceOn-site

EmploymentFull-time

Base pay$185,000–$215,000

PostedSep 23, 2026 · 4w ago

Role brief

techroles summary, based on the employer's posting.

What you'll do

Lead the build and rollout of scalable AI and machine-learning models and systems
Turn federal program needs into technical designs, then guide architecture, testing and performance improvements
Coordinate with DevOps, data engineering and cybersecurity teams to put AI into production
Coach engineers and review their code and designs while shaping technical direction
Assess emerging AI tools and frameworks, ensuring solutions meet federal security and cloud standards

What you bring

A graduate degree in AI, machine learning or a related discipline
At least five years developing AI or machine-learning solutions, with experience leading initiatives or technical teams
Working knowledge of agentic AI frameworks, including Transformers, Model Context Protocol and Agent2Agent Protocol
Proficiency in Python and TypeScript, plus experience deploying AI on AWS, Azure or GCP
U.S. citizenship and eligibility to obtain a DoD Secret clearance

Who this fits

This senior role suits a hands-on technical leader who will guide engineers while contributing to AI solution development. The position is onsite in McLean, and U.S. citizenship plus eligibility for a DoD Secret clearance are required.

From the employer

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 join our growing AI and Automation practice. In this role, you will design and lead the development of cutting-edge AI solutions that drive real-world impact across federal programs. You will guide cross-functional teams, shape technical strategy, and mentor engineers in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with a strong background in AI/ML development, cloud platforms, and enterprise-scale systems design.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Lead the design, development, and deployment of scalable AI and ML models and systems
Translate business requirements into technical solutions across multiple federal missions
Oversee the AI/ML development lifecycle, including architecture design, experimentation, and performance optimization
Collaborate with cross-functional teams (DevOps, Data Engineering, Cybersecurity) to integrate AI into production environments
Provide technical mentorship and conduct code/design reviews for junior and mid-level engineers
Research and evaluate emerging AI/ML tools, technologies, and frameworks to drive innovation
Ensure all solutions meet federal security, compliance, and cloud architecture standards

Requirements

Master’s degree in AI, Machine Learning, or a related field
Minimum of 5+ years of hands-on experience in AI/ML solution development
Demonstrated experience leading AI/ML initiatives or technical teams
Strong understanding of agentic AI including Transformers, Model Context Protocol, Agent2Agent Protocol, LangGraph, and other modern frameworks.
Proficiency in Python and Typescript for application development and advanced scripting,
Experience deploying AI solutions in AWS, Azure, or GCP environments
Familiarity withCI/CD, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and DevOps principles
Experience with Agile methodologies and tools (e.g., Git, Jira)
Must be a U.S. Citizen and eligible to obtain a DoD Secret clearance

Preferred Qualifications

Strong understanding of data engineering and data modeling concepts
Experience with data visualization tools such as Power BI or Tableau
Knowledge of cybersecurity principles, Zero Trust Architecture, RMF and FedRAMP compliance
Prior experience with federal or public sector digital modernization projects
Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma, ITIL, or service-oriented architecture (SOA) frameworks

Salary Range: $185,000 - $215,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on the selected candidate's experience, education, certifications, skills, and overall qualifications.

Benefits