About this role

Drive AI solutions end-to-end—prototype → production → scale—while staying involved in design and implementation
Define and lead AI strategy and execution across the Homeland Sector
Provide hands-on technical leadership (prototyping, code reviews, reference implementations) and guide integration into systems
Establish practical standards for MLOps, governance, and responsible AI, and apply them in delivery
Evaluate new technologies and run pilots with clear criteria for scaling or stopping
Partner with teams and customers to deliver high-impact AI solutions
Share and scale what works across programs (reuse and standard approaches)

Master's degree and 15+ years experience in a related field with or equivalent practical experience building and scaling AI systems.
Experience leading development and production deployment of AI/ML solutions
Strong grounding in ML, data systems, and model lifecycle management, with hands-on experience in modern frameworks and cloud platforms
Experience integrating AI into real operational systems
Proven ability to lead across teams while staying close to the work, with strong communication skills
Must be able to work from the Leidos Reston GHQ. Flexibility with remote with the ability to travel to the corporate office as needed.
Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance (U.S. citizenship required; we support the process)

Director, Applied AI – Hands-On, Technical

Key skills