Cloud AI Engineer

About the role

The Cloud AI Engineer leads the design, development, and implementation of enterprise AI solutions in cloud environments. This role combines hands-on engineering with strategic leadership, enabling the agency to leverage AI technologies to improve services, automate processes, and make data-driven decisions. The role collaborates with cross-functional teams, ensures compliance with security and data governance policies, and drives innovation in AI and machine learning initiatives.

Essential Job Functions

• (30%) Leads CTO strategic initiatives and technology projects with a focus on AI and cloud solutions. Responsible for defining, designing, and delivering AI-enabled systems tailored to meet business objectives. Conducts studies and prepares detailed reports encompassing findings, recommendations, and implementation guidance. Develops As-Is and To-Be analyses, gap analyses, SWOT assessments, technical diagrams, and cost/benefit estimates. Provides technical leadership in advanced systems analysis and AI architecture.
• (25%) Drives data and AI initiatives across multiple agency systems, IT groups, and state entities. Coordinates planning and scheduling throughout project development and implementation, offers architectural options and solution recommendations, and ensures all AI designs adhere to data security, privacy, and regulatory requirements.
• (15%) Designs, develops, and administers highly scalable AI systems on cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, and GCP. Implements essential capabilities including model training, inference, reporting, and seamless system integration. Optimizes AI system performance, scalability, and reliability.
• (15%) Leads and participates in end-to-end delivery of AI solutions, encompassing system analysis, coding, testing, deployment, and ongoing support. Troubleshoots issues, coordinates problem resolution efforts, and ensures seamless adoption of AI technologies. Develops or updates technical standards, procedures, and documentation.
• (5%) Evaluates current state of technical solutions against desired outcomes, identifies gaps, and formulates strategies to address deficiencies. Collaborates with HHS IT groups to provide recommendations and support IT planning. Assists in developing roadmaps, planning documents, and investment justifications.
• (5%) Oversees development and delivery of training programs for staff focused on AI tools, technologies, and platforms. Promotes adoption of AI technologies throughout technical and programming teams.
• (5%) Performs other responsibilities as assigned to support AI and technology initiatives.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Skilled in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and their AI/ML services
• Strong knowledge of machine learning workflows, model training, inference pipelines, and data integration
• Knowledge of AI system deployment, monitoring, and scaling in production environments
• Skilled in data governance, security, and privacy compliance for AI systems
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills
• Ability to lead cross-functional technical initiatives and collaborate with business stakeholders
• Skilled in advanced AI/ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, MLflow)
• Ability to mentor junior engineers and promote AI best practices
• Skilled in large-scale data engineering and cloud-native analytics platforms
• Knowledge of the limitations and capabilities of computer systems, techniques used in design of non-automated systems, information technology equipment, applicable programming languages, computer hardware and software, computer operating systems, writing program code, and automated mapping
• Skill in solving problems; in scheduling, testing, installing, and implementing programs; and in troubleshooting computer systems
• Ability to analyze systems and procedures, to write and revise standards and procedures, and to communicate effectively
• Ability to oversee and/or supervise the work of others

Qualifications

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Information Systems, or a related field (or equivalent experience on a year-for-year basis)
• 8+ years of experience in cloud computing
• 2+ years of experience in cloud-based AI/ML system design, development, or administration preferred

Preferred Certifications

• Certifications in Cloud Architecture and AI/ML, such as AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or equivalent industry-recognized credentials

Additional Information

This position is open to U.S. Citizens and permanent residents. This onsite role requires the selected candidate to work from an HHS office in Austin, Texas. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. Selected candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. Selected candidate must be willing to commute to the office on the required days.