Senior Data Scientist / AI Machine Learning Research Engineer
CACI Open · verified Oct 22, 2026 At a glance
Senior AI Research role at CACI. Sterling · full-time · $113,200–$237,800 base.
aimlroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Develop machine-learning algorithms for difficult problems involving RF, signal processing, and computer networking
- Build data pipelines and ETL workflows, including warehousing and processing at large scale
- Deploy machine-learning models on cloud infrastructure using containers, orchestration, and CI/CD
- Program in Python and SQL, using data engineering frameworks and machine-learning libraries
- Set up model and dataset versioning, experiment tracking, monitoring, and reproducible research practices
What you bring
- A quantitative master’s degree with mathematical foundations, plus at least seven years of experience
- A strong grounding in machine learning, mathematics, and statistics, with experience developing models
- Comfort using Linux and its commonly used utilities
- U.S. citizenship and an active Top Secret clearance, with ability to obtain SCI with polygraph
Who this fits
This senior role suits someone who can build and implement machine-learning methods from mathematical principles and apply them to signal-processing or RF problems. The work calls for a U.S. citizen with an active Top Secret clearance and the ability to obtain SCI with polygraph. Travel may reach ten percent within the continental United States.
From the employer
The Opportunity:
CACI has an exciting new opportunity for a Senior AI and Machine Learning Research Engineer. Apply machine learning, statistics, to develop algorithms to solve challenging problems, signal processing, and computer networking domains. In this role, you'll leverage your strong foundation in machine learning, data science, and signal processing to solve complex challenges in the RF domain.
Responsibilities:
1. Strong mathematical foundation in statistics, linear algebra, and calculus with demonstrated ability to understand and implement machine learning algorithms from first principles rather than solely relying on pre-built libraries.
2. Proficiency in designing and building data pipelines, including experience with ETL processes, data warehousing solutions, and optimizing workflows for large-scale data processing.
3. Hands-on experience with cloud-based infrastructure (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) for deploying ML solutions, including containerization, orchestration, and CI/CD pipelines for model deployment.
4. Programming expertise in Python and SQL, with experience using data engineering frameworks (e.g., Spark, Airflow) and ML libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).
5. Demonstrated experience in establishing ML governance practices, including version control for datasets and models, experiment tracking, model monitoring, and implementing reproducible research principles.
Qualifications:
Required:
Master’s degree in quantitative field with mathematical underpinnings and at least 7 years’ experience.
Experience developing models,.
Strong background in machine learning, mathematics and statistics.
Comfortable using Linux operating systems and commonly used Linux utilities.
Must be a US Citizen with the ability to obtain, maintain and/or transfer the required security clearance as dictated by the contract
Must have active Top Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain SCI with Polygraph
Desired:
Ph.D. in computer science, computer engineering, or machine learning, Statistics, applied mathematics or Physics.
Experience applying machine learning to signal processing and/or other time-series data analysis applications.
Knowledge of or experience with information theory, probability theory, parametric and non-parametric statistical tests.
Familiarity with concepts and techniques associated with adversarial AI and AI/ML assurance.
Active Top Secret/SCI clearance preferred.
What You Can Expect:
A culture of integrity.
At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you’ll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer’s missions and driven by a higher purpose – to ensure the safety of our nation.
An environment of trust.
CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You’ll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.
A focus on continuous growth.
Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground — in your career and in our legacy.
Pay Range:
There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.
The proposed salary range for this position is:
$113,200 - $237,800CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.