> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3003713-lead-machine-learning-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3003713-lead-machine-learning-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Lead Machine Learning Engineer - **Company:** Dogwood Management Partners, LLc - **Location:** Fort Belvoir, VA, United States (Remote available) - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Internship / Graduate position - **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Agile Methodology, Artificial Intelligence, Amazon Web Services, Cloud Engineering, Computer Programming, Distributed Data Store, Apache Hadoop, Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, Cloud Platform System, Apache Spark, Information Technology, Machine Learning Operations, Cyber Warfare, Databricks - **Published:** September 19, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9179555/lead-machine-learning-engineer ## About the Role Active DoD Top Secret clearance. A polygraph is not required. U.S. citizenship. Ability to work on-site at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, up to five days per week. Bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, statistics, electrical engineering, or a closely related technical field. At least eight years of professional experience designing and building data-intensive solutions using distributed-computing technologies. Internship experience does not count toward this requirement. Demonstrated experience designing, developing, and delivering machine-learning models or components that solve operational or business problems. Experience deploying, maintaining, retraining, and monitoring ML models in production. Experience developing solutions within AWS or another comparable cloud environment. Strong programming experience with Python, Scala, or Java. Experience working with cross-functional Agile development teams. Demonstrated ability to lead technical work and mentor junior personnel. Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team., Master's or doctoral degree in computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, statistics, data science, or a related field. Five or more years of experience in an ML, AI, MLOps, or technical-lead role. AWS machine-learning or cloud architecture experience, including services such as Amazon SageMaker. Experience with Spark, Databricks, Hadoop, or comparable distributed data-processing technologies. Experience with model governance, ML security, vulnerability reduction, and responsible AI practices. Machine learning, artificial intelligence, data science, or AWS certification. Prior experience supporting the U.S. Army, Department of Defense, defensive cyber operations, or another national-security mission. ## Description Dogwood Management Partners is seeking a Lead Machine Learning Engineer to support a U.S. Army defensive cyber operations mission at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. This position will lead the design, development, deployment, and sustainment of scalable machine-learning capabilities within an AWS-based environment. The successful candidate will work directly with government stakeholders, Army security teams, software vendors, and other technical teams to transform operational requirements and available technologies into secure, production-ready solutions. This individual will also evaluate third-party platforms and code, integrate point solutions into broader defensive cyber capabilities, and mentor junior technical personnel., Lead the design and development of data-intensive machine-learning solutions using distributed-computing technologies. Build, deploy, retrain, maintain, and monitor machine-learning models in production environments. Design and use cloud-based architectures, technologies, and platforms to deliver optimized ML capabilities at scale. Collaborate with government stakeholders, Army security teams, vendors, and cross-functional Agile teams to define requirements and deliver integrated technical solutions. Evaluate third-party platforms, models, and source code to determine whether they are secure, supportable, and fit for the intended mission. Apply secure-development and model-governance practices to reduce software vulnerabilities and manage model risk. Develop production-quality software using Python, Scala, or Java. Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and task oversight to junior engineers and other team members. Communicate technical risks, recommendations, and solution options clearly to government and program leadership. ## Related Videos - [PySpark - Combining Machine Learning & Big Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/44-pyspark-combining-machine-learning-big-data) - [Introduction to Azure Machine Learning](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/368-introduction-to-azure-machine-learning) - [Cutting LLM Costs Without Cutting Quality: How to Beat Proprietary LLMs with Fine-Tuned Open Source](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100151-cutting-llm-costs-without-cutting-quality-how-to-beat-proprietary-llms-with-fine-tuned-open-source) - [Alibaba Big Data and Machine Learning Technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/37-alibaba-big-data-and-machine-learning-technology) - [Modern Data Architectures need Software Engineering](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1030-modern-data-architectures-need-software-engineering) - [Let's Get Aggregated: Custom UDAFs in Spark ](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1649-let-s-get-aggregated-custom-udafs-in-spark) ## Related Articles - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [What Are Large Language Models?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/304-what-are-large-language-models) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [MLops – Deploying, Maintaining And Evolving Machine Learning Models in Production](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/115-mlops-deploying-maintaining-and-evolving-machine-learning-models-in-production) - [Got AI ideas but no money? Here are 10 free ways to level up your AI skills with Google Cloud](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/600-got-ai-ideas-but-no-money-here-are-10-free-ways-to-level-up-your-ai-skills-with-google-cloud) - [MLOps And AI Driven Development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/82-mlops-and-ai-driven-development)