AI Engineer, Lead
Bah· enterprise· Defense· Oct 2, 2026 · 26d ago
McLean, VA
Hybrid
Full-time
Lead
$129K–$292K
8+ years exp
Job description
AI Engineer, Lead The Opportunity:
Organizations need experienced application developers who can transform complex requirements into reliable, mission-ready software. Today’s modern applications increasingly combine cloud-native development, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) to solve challenging operational and mission problems. As a lead Application Developer, you know how to move from an initial concept to a production-ready solution. We’re looking for an experienced developer like you to build innovative software capabilities for national security.
As a lead Application Developer on our team, you’ll design, develop, test, and deploy applications that incorporate AI, automation, and modern cloud technologies. You’ll work in an environment where requirements may be evolving or incomplete, using your technical judgment to define practical solutions and make progress independently.
You’ll own multiple features and capabilities end to end—from technical design and architecture through implementation, testing, deployment, and operational support. You’ll collaborate with architects, engineers, mission partners, and stakeholders to turn ideas into working systems while helping establish sound development practices and reusable technical patterns.
With your ability to lead through ambiguity and deliver high-quality software, you’ll make a lasting impact on mission.
Join us. The world can’t wait.
You Have:
8 years of experience designing, developing, testing, and deploying production software applications
Experience in Python development and with Go, TypeScript, JavaScript, or Java
Experience building production AI applications using agentic frameworks such as LangChain, LangGraph, AWS Bedrock Agents, or CrewAI
Experience owning application features end to end, from requirements clarification and technical design through implementation, testing, deployment, and operational support
Experience designing and developing APIs, services, integrations, and event-driven applications
Experience with professional development practices, including Git, code reviews, automated testing, debugging, documentation, dependency management, and CI/CD pipelines using GitHub Actions, GitLab CI/CD, or Jenkins
Experience developing and deploying containerized applications in cloud environments using platforms such as Docker or Kubernetes
Ability to operate independently in ambiguous environments, translate incomplete or evolving requirements into practical technical solutions, and communicate technical decisions clearly
Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust or Suitability/Fitness determination based on client requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Information Technology
Nice If You Have:
Experience implementing AI application patterns such as tool use, retrieval-augmented generation, structured outputs, workflow orchestration, and agent evaluation
Experience with emerging AI protocols, including Model Context Protocol, Agent-to-Agent, or similar technologies
Experience with AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, or other enterprise cloud platforms
Experience with Infrastructure-as-Code tools such as Terraform, CloudFormation, Pulumi, or similar technologies
Experience with GitOps and declarative application delivery using Argo CD, Flux, or similar tools
Experience with relational and NoSQL databases, caching technologies, message queues, or streaming platforms
Experience using observability tools for logging, monitoring, tracing, performance analysis, and application troubleshooting
Experience supporting applications in federal, Department of Defense, or other regulated environments
Experience mentoring developers, leading technical discussions, or establishing reusable development patterns and reference implementations
Knowledge of secure software development, application security testing, identity and access management, and cloud security principles
Vetting:
Applicants selected will be subject to a government investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements of the U.S. government client.
Compensation
At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen’s benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.
Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $128,700.00 to $292,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen’s total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.
Identity Statement
As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided .
Work Model
Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings.
Remote : If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.
Hybrid : If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen or customer facility, in alignment with your leadership s expectations and the needs of the role.
Onsite : If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed full-time at a customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.
Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.
Application prep
Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.
Keywords to mirror
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Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Professional Development