Position Overview

At Leidos, we are advancing mission-critical platforms that simulate, interact with, and act on complex technical and business environments. These platforms enable teams to automate business processes and gain insight through intent-driven and agent-based systems, guided by an "everything as code" philosophy.

The Principal AI/ML Solution Architect is a visionary technical leader who architects enterprise-scale AI/ML solutions, designs agent-based systems, and leads digital modernization initiatives—ensuring software, infrastructure, data governance, and security are integrated into a cohesive, compliant development lifecycle. This role bridges executive stakeholders, mission requirements, and engineering execution.

Primary Responsibilities

• Architect and lead development of enterprise-scale AI/ML platforms, intelligent agents, and data-driven solutions for government and commercial customers
• Define the technical vision, strategy, and roadmap for AI/ML, Agentic AI, Generative AI, and advanced analytics across programs
• Build and evolve intelligent agents and AI-enabled services using LLMs, automation frameworks, and multi-agent orchestration patterns
• Lead AI factory-based frameworks with reusable components for scalable offerings
• Partner with C-level executives, CTOs, and business leaders to align solutions with mission needs
• Drive adoption of Infrastructure as Code, DevSecOps, CI/CD pipelines, and "controls-as-code" practices
• Establish AI governance frameworks (e.g., Responsible AI, Trusted AI) ensuring compliance with regulations (OMB M-24-10, EO 14110)
• Design and deploy trusted ML models and advanced analytics/visualization solutions
• Collaborate with systems engineers and ISSEs to embed security into platform design
• Mentor senior and mid-level engineers through architecture and code reviews
• Support ATO processes, business development (RFP/RFI), and conduct AoA/PoCs on emerging technologies
• Promote "as code" patterns for infrastructure, automation, agent behavior, and compliance artifacts

Required Skills and Experience

• MS degree in Computer Science, Data Science, AI/ML, or related field with 15+ years of experience in solution architecture and AI/ML
• Demonstrated Principal Architect or CTO-level leadership in large-scale enterprise environments
• Deep expertise in AI/ML systems including LLM integration, Generative AI, Agentic AI, and cloud-native architectures (AWS, Azure)
• Proven experience with AI governance, Responsible AI, and compliance frameworks
• Experience delivering solutions in secure, regulated government environments (e.g., CMS, SSA, DoD, FDA)
• Ability to bridge software development, systems engineering, data science, and security disciplines
• Strong executive-level communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
• Experience supporting business development and strategic technology roadmaps
• Must have and maintain a Secret security clearance
• U.S. Citizenship required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building agent-based or autonomous systems in production
• Familiarity with AI orchestration frameworks (e.g., multi-agent systems, AIOps)
• Background in legacy system modernization (e.g., COBOL to Java/Python), DevSecOps, RPA, and data visualization platforms
• Experience with data governance and metadata management platforms (e.g., OpenMetadata)
• Proven P&L management and experience leading large technical teams (50+)
• PMP, ITIL, AWS, SAFe, or OCP certifications
• Published thought leadership (whitepapers, conference presentations, keynote speaking)
• Passion for applying AI and automation to real-world mission challenges
• Experience with "as code" approaches (policy-as-code, workflows-as-code, documentation-as-code)

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

Pay Range:

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.