> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/518404-ai-development-lead](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/518404-ai-development-lead). 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). --- # AI Development Lead - **Company:** MENTE SYSTEMS INC - **Location:** McLean, VA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Continuous Integration, Data Cleansing, Open Source Technology, Delivery Pipeline, Large Language Models, Deep Learning, Information Technology, Production Code, Performance Monitor, Machine Learning Operations - **Published:** June 10, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.dice.com/job-detail/6e565ae7-7d99-4480-beb2-e0ec58d93cac ## About the Role * Innovative. You constantly survey emerging AI technologies and apply them where they advance business value. * Collaborative. You communicate technical concepts clearly to technical and non-technical audiences alike. * A Proven Leader. You set direction, elevate execution quality, and nurture talent. * Technical & Hands-On. Comfortable writing production-grade code and architecting systems with deep knowledge of modern AI frameworks. Requirements Capabilities that will enable your success * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or related field. * Minimum 5+ years in AI/ML development with clear progression into technical leadership roles. * Experience from concept through execution and operationalization of AI/ML systems. * Deep understanding of generative AI architectures, training paradigms, and foundation models. * Hands-on experience with large deep learning models: language, vision, event, or graph domains. * Expertise in one or more advanced topics: self-supervised learning, training optimization, robustness, explainability, RLHF. * Demonstrated record of delivering AI systems at scale, both training compute and inference loads. * Experience building platform-level capabilities or reusable libraries that uplift other teams. * Track record of meaningful contributions to the field, such as publications, open-source code, or recognized projects. * Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to align AI work with business strategy. * Willingness to travel to customer sites as needed. Preferred Qualifications Graduate degrees preferred. Clearance Requirements Existing clearance is preferred. ## Description * As an AI Development Lead, you will work cross-functionally with product, engineering, and business leaders to translate cutting-edge AI research into scalable, reliable, and mission-impacting software. We encourage you to apply and take the first step in joining our dynamic and impactful company. * What will you do * Drive Technical Strategy & Execution Lead architecture, design, and delivery of AI/ML systems, including LLMs, RAG workflows, agents, and foundation models from prototyping to production. * Lead End-to-End AI Lifecycle Oversee model development including data preparation, training/optimization, evaluation/validation, deployment, monitoring, and iteration. Ensure systems adhere to robustness, scalability, observability, and ethical AI standards. * Collaborate Cross-Functionally Partner with product managers, data engineers, UX/design, and business stakeholders to define requirements, set priorities, and deliver impactful AI solutions aligned to business needs. * Establish Best Practices Champion CI/CD and MLOps practices, including model versioning, automated pipelines, performance monitoring, and reproducibility. * Mentorship & Leadership Mentor engineers and scientists, fostering high engineering standards, technical growth, innovation, and accountability. * Research & Innovation Impact Stay ahead of industry advancements in generative AI, foundational model tech, self-supervised learning, optimization techniques, RLHF, and robustness/interpretability. Apply research insights to product enhancements and novel solutions. What Success Looks Like * Robust, scalable, and maintainable foundations for TheIncLab's products and services * Increased velocity of AI development through strong engineering processes * High team morale and growth through mentorship and technical leadership * Measurably better customer outcomes informed by AI research * You are an analytical and inventive thinker who loves both building and leading. You deliver systems that work at scale. * You combine research fluency with practical engineering rigor to bridge innovation and production delivery. ## Related Videos - [Designing the Future of Human<>Agent Collaboration](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1447-designing-the-future-of-human-agent-collaboration) - [RPA in the Public Sector](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/86-rpa-in-the-public-sector) - [Getting Started with Machine Learning](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/260-getting-started-with-machine-learning) - [Navigating the AI Revolution in Software Development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1266-navigating-the-ai-revolution-in-software-development) - [Dirty Tests And How To Clean Them](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/515-dirty-tests-and-how-to-clean-them) - [Anomaly Detection - Using unsupervised Machine Learning for detecting anomalies in customer base](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/6-anomaly-detection-using-unsupervised-machine-learning-for-detecting-anomalies-in-customer-base) ## Related Articles - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [MLOps And AI Driven Development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/82-mlops-and-ai-driven-development) - [Got AI ideas but no money? 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