Principal Data Systems Architect

We are seeking an Applied AI / Machine Learning Engineer to modernize and innovate the end-to-end analytic lifecycle. In this role, you will design and deploy production AI-enabled workflows and automated data processing solutions, actively replacing legacy workflows with next-generation, AI-driven tradecraft. You will operate at the intersection of technical engineering and mission strategy, developing scalable machine learning and Generative AI systems while serving as a key translator between complex technical data and leadership. The ideal candidate pairs strong programming and data engineering fundamentals with practical experience in deep learning, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and model fine-tuning., Core Development & Big Data Processing: Strong proficiency in Python and hands-on experience building distributed data processing and transformation pipelines using PySpark.

Applied AI / Machine Learning Frameworks: Practical experience training, fine-tuning, and evaluating models using industry-standard ML/DL libraries such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or Scikit-Learn.

Generative AI Architecture & Tradecraft: Direct experience designing and deploying Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architectures, advanced prompt engineering strategies, or parameter-efficient fine-tuning techniques (e.g., LoRA / QLoRA).

Analytic Lifecycle Modernization: Demonstrated track record of identifying legacy manual or rules-based processes and successfully replacing them with automated, AI-driven solutions.

Technical Communication & Stakeholder Bridging: Proven ability to author clear technical documentation, architectural specifications, and white papers, as well as present complex findings across leadership forums and cross-functional teams.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Computational Linguistics, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline, PLUS 13+ years of professional experience in data science, NLP, or software engineering OR High School Diploma / GED, PLUS 17+ years of specialized technical experience in lieu of a degree.

, Desired Skills

GenAI Application Frameworks: Hands-on experience developing with orchestration and embedding frameworks such as LangChain, LlamaIndex, and the Hugging Face Transformers/Diffusers ecosystem.

Multi-Language & Query Proficiency: Working knowledge of additional data manipulation languages, specifically SQL, R, or Scala.

Vector Databases & Semantic Retrieval: Experience deploying and optimizing vector databases (e.g., Chroma, Milvus, Qdrant, Pinecone, or pgvector) for enterprise semantic search and retrieval systems.

Model Deployment & MLOps: Familiarity with MLOps practices, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and model serving tools (e.g., vLLM, Triton, TGI, or BentoML).

Data Visualization & Dashboarding: Experience creating interactive visual interfaces or dashboards (e.g., Streamlit, Gradio, Dash) to showcase model outputs and prototype tools directly to end users.

The annual base salary range for this role is $230,000-$272,000 (USD) , which does not include discretionary bonus compensation or our comprehensive benefits package. Actual compensation offered to the successful candidate may vary from posted hiring range based upon geographic location, work experience, education, and/or skill level, among other things., If you have the unique experience and expertise we are seeking, along with the desire and determination to invest your time and energy as a part of Nyla’s team,

Taking Care of All of You Nyla provides a top-of-market compensation and benefits package. And through our unique Nyla FLEX program, we custom tailor these benefits to best fit your lifestyle.

The Nyla FLEX benefit program is designed to offer you flexibility in the 3 biggest areas of your life: your pay, your leave, and your schedule.

PAY - Nyla starts with 4 weeks of Annual Leave plus 11 holidays and an additional day of Annual Leave for each year you’re at the company. You have the flexibility to cash out your annual leave hours, opt out of other Nyla benefits, and/or arrange for additional hours on contract* (over 40 hrs/week). There’s even an option to earn 1.3 times your hourly rate once you work over 1880 hours on contract!

LEAVE - Want to spend more time with the family? Want more time to travel the world? You can BUY additional annual leave for a total of 6 weeks of annual leave. That’s up to 240 hours of leave plus 11 holidays! That’s not even including paid anniversary leave!

SCHEDULE - Does the traditional 40-hour workweek no longer fit your lifestyle? With Nyla FLEX, you have the freedom to scale down to 30-32 hours while still enjoying the top-notch Nyla benefits you know and love. It’s flexibility that works for you without compromising the perks!

WHAT ABOUT OTHER BENEFITS? Nyla’s health care (medical, dental, and vision) is 100% covered by the company. We provide 10% 401k matching - with full vesting day 1! Our Professional Development offers $5,000 per year to be used towards fees, tuition, or time off for your continued growth. We even have a student loan repayment program and we provide 8 hours of volunteering annually so you can support your community, making your world a better place.

Nyla Technology Solutions delivers exceptional Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, and Software Engineering services for the U.S. Government. Nyla embraces a forward-thinking and bold approach at every turn, earning us a solid reputation of technical trendsetters within the industry. We have a passion for developing solutions that have a quick and immediate impact on mission. Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, our customers love how we tackle their most challenging problems and get things done.