About this role
hatch I.T. is partnering with Expression to find an AI Architect (Technical Lead). See details below:
About The Role:
Expression is seeking an experienced AI Architect to serve as Technical Lead designing and technically integrating advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Model (LLM) capabilities supporting the Department of Homeland Security.
This role will support the development and integration of secure, mission-focused AI agents within the DHS AI environment. The selected candidate will lead the adaptation of multi-agent AI capabilities, including intelligent workflow orchestration, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), model evaluation, and governed enterprise data integration, to enhance investigative analysis, information retrieval, report generation, and human decision support.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on AI architect and technical leader with extensive experience designing and delivering enterprise AI applications. You are equally comfortable defining system architecture, developing and reviewing production-quality software, integrating LLMs with enterprise data systems, and mentoring engineers through complex technical challenges.
This position requires a strong understanding of modern AI engineering, distributed application architectures, secure API development, and responsible AI deployment within highly regulated environments. You will work closely with AI engineers, data engineers, program leadership, and Government stakeholders to deliver reliable, explainable, secure, and scalable AI capabilities.
Location and Clearance:
Clearance: Top Secret/SCI required
Location: Shirlington, VA
About the Company:
Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Washington DC, Expression provides data fusion, data analytics, software engineering, information technology, and electromagnetic spectrum management solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of State, and national security community. Expression’s “Perpetual Innovation” culture focuses on creating immediate and sustainable value for their clients via agile delivery of tailored solutions built through constant engagement with their clients. Expression was ranked #1 on the Washington Technology 2018's Fast 50 list of fastest growing small business Government contractors and a Top 20 Big Data Solutions Provider by CIO Review.
Responsibilities:
Cloud Infrastructure & Automation
- Lead the design, deployment, and maintenance of Azure infrastructure supporting unclassified and classified spectrum management systems.
- Develop reusable Infrastructure as Code using tools such as Terraform, Bicep, or ARM templates.
- Configure and maintain container platforms using Kubernetes, Docker, and Helm.
- Implement secure networking, identity and access controls, secrets management, and environment configuration.
- Improve infrastructure consistency, scalability, reliability, and cost efficiency across development, test, and production environments.
CI/CD & Secure Software Delivery
- Build and maintain Azure DevOps pipelines that automate application builds, testing, security scanning, and deployments.
- Integrate code, dependency, container image, and infrastructure security checks into delivery workflows.
- Establish repeatable release processes, approval controls, and artifact management.
- Support deployments within restricted environments, accounting for connectivity, tooling, and software dependency constraints.
- Partner with development teams to resolve deployment issues, improve delivery speed and quality, and promote consistent DevOps practices across the program.
Security & Compliance
- Implement and maintain technical controls aligned with applicable Department of Commerce, NTIA, and federal security requirements.
- Apply secure configuration baselines and STIGs where required; identify and remediate infrastructure and application vulnerabilities.
- Support Risk Management Framework (RMF), Authority to Operate (ATO), and continuous monitoring activities through technical documentation, configuration evidence, and remediation tracking.
- Work with government and program security personnel to translate control requirements into practical infrastructure and pipeline safeguards.
Reliability & Operations
- Implement monitoring, centralized logging, and actionable alerts for infrastructure, containers, pipelines, and applications.
- Troubleshoot production issues, support incident response, and address root causes.
- Develop and validate backup, recovery, and rollback procedures.
- Maintain architecture diagrams, deployment documentation, and operational runbooks, and brief government stakeholders on infrastructure status, risks, and recommendations.
Qualifications:
- Active Secret security clearance or higher.
- Current CompTIA Security+ certification, or ability to obtain it within 30 days of hire.
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field and five or more years of relevant DevOps/cloud engineering experience, or eight or more years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
- Hands-on experience designing and operating infrastructure in Azure Commercial and Azure Government.
- Experience building and maintaining Azure DevOps YAML pipelines for automated builds, testing, and deployments.
- Experience delivering software or infrastructure in classified or similarly restricted federal environments.
- Proficiency with Infrastructure as Code, including Terraform, Bicep, ARM templates, or comparable tools.
- Practical experience with Docker, Kubernetes, and Helm, including deployment and troubleshooting.
- Strong scripting skills using Python, PowerShell, Bash, or similar languages.
- Experience with Git-based version control, branching strategies, pull requests, and code reviews, including reviewing and guiding the work of junior engineers.
- Working knowledge of Linux administration, cloud networking, identity and access management, and secrets management.
- Ability to troubleshoot across infrastructure and application layers, document solutions clearly, and work effectively with technical and nontechnical stakeholders, including government customers.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience supporting Azure Government Secret environments.
- Experience leading DevOps efforts on federal system modernization programs, including production transitions.
- Familiarity with NIST SP 800-53 controls, RMF, ATO processes, and STIG implementation.
- Experience integrating security tools such as Nessus, SonarQube, Microsoft Defender for Cloud, Aqua Security, or comparable products.
- Experience with Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, Application Insights, Prometheus, or Grafana.
- Experience supporting database platforms or search services such as SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Elasticsearch, or OpenSearch.
- Familiarity with data engineering and machine learning platforms, including Databricks, Apache Spark, or related technologies.
- Relevant Microsoft Azure administration, DevOps, or security certifications.
Benefits:
Expression offers competitive salaries and benefits, such as:
401k matching
PPO and HDHP medical/dental/vision insurance
Education reimbursement
Complimentary life insurance
Generous PTO and holiday leave
Onsite office gym access
Commuter Benefits Plan