AI Developer I

Job ID: 2026_10_AIDI Role/Title: AI Developer I Priority: High – Immediate Hire Hybrid Opportunity - Must be local to the DC/VA/MD area and available to work onsite when needed. Clearance Requirement: Due to federal clearance requirements for this position, only U.S. citizens are eligible. Candidates with visa sponsorship —now or in the future—are not eligible for this clearance. About ICatalyst iCatalyst, Inc. is a next-generation technology company specializing in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Machine Learning (ML), and Robotic Process Automation (RPA). Since 2007, we have partnered with federal and commercial clients to deliver innovative, mission-driven solutions that enhance operational efficiency, digital transformation, and business outcomes. Our solutions are built on a foundation of agility, security, and scalability, guided by our CMMI ML 3 Services and Software Development framework and backed by globally recognized certifications in ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management) and ISO/IEC 27001:2022 (Information Security). Core Capabilities We specialize in AI-Driven Digital Transformation, Cloud and Infrastructure Modernization, Data Engineering and Advanced Analytics, Enterprise IT Modernization and Mission-Focused Program and Change Management. Why Join iCatalyst? At iCatalyst, our people are at the center of everything we do. Award-winning culture of innovation and a friendly workplaceWork on cutting-edge AI and digital transformation projectsBe part of a mission-driven teamGrow your career in a stable, certified, high-performing organizationComprehensive benefits and wellness packages, 401K with company match, competitive pay Role Overview We are seeking a AI Developer I to join our growing team in support of our federal program. This is an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies and contribute to impactful, mission-critical initiatives. Key Responsibilities Support the design, development, testing, and deployment of AI-powered applications using Azure AI services, including:Azure OpenAI ServiceAzure AI StudioAzure AI Search (vector search)Cognitive Services (as applicable)Contribute across the development lifecycle for AI solutions, from prototyping and model development through deployment and production integration, with guidance from senior team members as neededDesign, develop, and integrate AI-powered capabilities using or in conjunction with low-code/no-code platforms (e.g., Appian, UiPath, Pega) to enable scalable automation and workflow solutionsBuild and implement LLM-based solutions, including:Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)Intelligent chatbots / copilotsAI-driven automation toolsDevelop scalable backend services and APIs to support AI functionality using technologies such as PythonBuild and maintain data pipelines for ingestion, transformation, and inference using Azure data services (e.g., Blob Storage, Data Lake)Apply prompt engineering, model evaluation, and optimization techniques to improve performance, accuracy, and usability of AI solutionsIntegrate AI capabilities into existing enterprise applications, including .NET-based systems where applicableCollaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, product, DevOps, UX) to implement and support AI features in production environmentsContribute to CI/CD pipelines and deployment workflows using Azure DevOps or similar toolsMaintain lightweight technical documentation (e.g., architecture overviews, API documentation, key design decisions) to support development and knowledge sharingEnsure solutions follow secure coding practices and align with applicable enterprise security guidelines (e.g., NIST, FedRAMP awareness)Provide support and expertise in assigned domain.Collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver solutions.Ensure adherence to security, compliance, and quality standards.Support continuous improvement and innovation initiatives.Special projects as needed. Required Skills Experience contributing to AI/ML or LLM-based solutions across data ingestion, model development, deployment, and production integrationStrong programming experience in Python with a focus on building AI/ML applicationsExperience building LLM-based applications using Azure AI services, such as Azure OpenAI, Azure AI Studio, or Azure AI Search. Familiarity with supporting APIs, orchestration frameworks, and model libraries, such as OpenAI APIs, LangChain, LlamaIndex, or Hugging Face, is a plus.Experience developing REST APIs and backend services, using frameworks such as FastAPI, Flask, or similarExperience in data processing and manipulation using tools such as Pandas and NumPy or similar Experience integrating AI capabilities into production applicationsFamiliarity with cloud-native development practices and CI/CD pipelinesFamiliarity with low-code/no-code platforms (Appian, UiPath, Pega) is a plusUnderstanding of secure development practices and enterprise environments (NIST/FedRAMP awareness preferred)Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and deliver high-quality work in fast-paced environmentsStrong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently on assigned tasks while collaborating effectively and seeking guidance when neededStrong attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and qualityEffective communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate technical concepts to diverse stakeholdersAdaptable and flexible, with ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively across cross-functional teamsStrong analytical and problem-solving abilities.Excellent communication and collaboration skills. Experience & Qualifications 4-7 years of software development experience, including experience with AI/ML solutionsExperience building and deploying AI/ML or LLM-based applicationsExperience integrating AI capabilities into enterprise applications or systemsExperience with .NET/C# environments is a plus, particularly for integrating AI services into existing applicationsPreferred Certifications:Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer AssociateMicrosoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist AssociateOther relevant AI/ML or cloud certifications preferred: Appian/Pega/UiPath Developer, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert, or Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect.Proven ability to work in fast-paced, client-focused environments.Experience supporting federal programs preferred. Education Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related STEM field from an accredited university with minimum 4 years of experience, or an MS/MA degree in a related field with minimum 3 years of experience. Work Location and Schedule Washington D.C./McLean, VA (Hybrid)Monday – Friday 8AM – 5:30PM ESTWork schedules and arrangements (remote/hybrid) may be adjusted based on client and program needs Employment Type Full-Time, Salaried (Exempt) Customer / Contract Federal Agency Compensation The likely salary range or Hourly rate for this position is $90k - $115. Salary range reflects our commitment to pay equity and transparency. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, certifications, labor qualifications, geographic location and contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range. Clearance Requirements U.S. Citizenship requiredAbility to successfully pass a federal background checkEmployment is subject to verification of eligibility to work in the United States As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete a background verification process that may leverage artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during virtual interviews. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud. By proceeding, you authorize the collection, processing, and use of your biometric data for identity verification and security purposes. Travel Minimal or no travel anticipated Total Rewards And Benefits We regularly review our Total Rewards package to ensure our offerings are competitive and reflect what our employees have told us they value most. Our benefits package for eligible employees includes a variety of medical plan options, some with Health Savings Accounts, a dental plan option, a vision plan, and a 401(k)-plan offering the ability to contribute both pre- and post-tax dollars up to the IRS annual limits and receive a company match. To encourage work/life balance, iCatalyst offers employees a variety of paid time off plans, including vacation, sick, 11 Federal holidays, military, bereavement and jury duty leave. To ensure our employees are able to protect their income, other offerings such as short and long-term disability benefits, life, accidental death and dismemberment, insurance are provided or available. In addition, we offer our full-time employees the following benefits subject to eligibility and iCatalyst policies. Phone and internet Reimbursement for eligible employeesTransportation Support (Uber rides to & from HQ to select locations)Training & Education Assistance (per eligibility)Annual Wellness BenefitSocial and Community giveback Additional Information This position is contingent upon contract award and/or client approval, where applicableiCatalyst, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristicsCandidates will be required to adhere to client-specific compliance requirements and sign NDAsiCatalyst reserves the right to modify job responsibilities, duties, or requirements as business needs evolve Next Step Explore a career at iCatalyst and you’ll find endless opportunities to grow alongside colleagues who share your ambition to deliver your best work. Apply today to be part of a team shaping the future of technology and innovation. For More Information, Please Visit iCatalyst Careers Page iCatalyst Website #hc267773