Lead Technical Engineer, Advanced Concepts

Job Title:  Lead Technical Engineer, Advanced Concepts

At PMAT, we work on mission critical systems that directly support the warfighter, designing, building, and securing modern digital capabilities across cloud, data, and software environments. Our teams tackle complex, real-world challenges where delivery matters more than theory, and innovation is driven by curiosity, collaboration, and purpose.

In this role, you’ll contribute across the spectrum to all projects and specifically serve as technical lead/advisor on all innovation work originating from the advanced concepts team.  This will include supervisor/mentorship of our staff involved in data decision/data distribution design. 

About the role: The Lead Technical Engineer of PMAT’s Advanced Concepts Team serves as the innovation lead and advisor not only to this innovation group, but to all PMAT projects that require the application of data science and/or Artificial Intelligence to collect and extract insights from raw data, automate cognitive tasks, build models, and/or scale real-time decision-making.   These new efforts necessitate the application of AI/ML techniques, tools and models to develop and deploy mission-critical capabilities.   Our goal is to instigate a phased approach for implementing AI across the spectrum of PMAT processes and services, to include necessary governance, repeatable processes and hands-on oversight.    It is beneficial to help identify next steps with advanced solutions but also stay forward leaning into next generation (far reaching) solutions that benefit both clients and company. 

Currently, the Advanced Concepts Team operates as a sub-set of the Mission Integration Branch, but our goal is to establish Advanced Concepts as its own stand-alone branch within the next 4 months, with a focus on transitioning AI and automation R&D to operational capabilities (internally and externally).

Success in this role requires an open mind to new ideas, structured & sound judgment, advanced communication skills to convey concepts at various levels, and the ability to lead small technical teams with credibility and self-confidence. 

Responsibilities:

• Serve as a senior technical lead / Subject Matter Expert and provide mentorship/guidance and strategic direction on a spectrum of new capability initiatives, to include artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ml), deep learning, generative AI, computer vision, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and agentic AI.  Help or lead AI/ML execution and implementation within projects.
• Lead or advise on AI adoption & implementation strategy at PMAT and for key clients that includes:
  • • Resources & costs
    • Security constraints
    • Model development & deployment
    • Training and testing
    • Machine learning operations (MLOps)
• Collaboration and cross-functional engagement to align AI with other corporate strategies and business goals.
• Supervisor a diverse, geographically distributed data science team; mentor PMAT data science staff, as appropriate, to facilitate professional growth, as appropriate, for professional growth
• Lead and support the identification of potential new customers and their challenges/gaps, design associated AI/ML solutions, and proactively work with Branch leadership, colleagues, and Business Development to engage and capture new work
• Act as a trusted interface with government stakeholders, bringing credibility, clarity, and decisive leadership to program execution
• Stay current with AI trends and emerging technologies
• Train and upskill PMAT personnel in AI/ML adoption and implementation

Required Skills and Experience:

• 15+ years of progressive leadership and analytic experience in data discovery, management and implementation, preferably with some measured degree of experience in the Federal Government data management environment.
• Demonstrated success in introducing, driving the adoption of, and implementing AI/ML technologies and solutions into a variety of internal company and external (customer) environments
• Data Governance experience; Ability to develop data roadmaps that include security access protocols, taxonomy, and training.  
• Demonstrated ability to serve as the primary interface with customers, including senior civilian and executive leadership in government positions
• Track record of leading cross-functional technical and operational teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including delivery of senior-level briefings
• Proficient in Python and a variety of other AI/ML tools and technologies

Education and Certification Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; advanced degree preferred

Citizenship and Clearance requirements:

• US Citizenship required
• No dual citizenship
• Active Top Secret / SCI clearance, or eligibility to maintain one

Location/Address:

• Washington DC area

Travel & Passport:

• Possible travel approximately 15-20% (varies based on customer needs and candidate’s requirements of the position with respect to team engagements).
• Current passport preferred but not required

Work Environment:   Primarily remote (for Wash DC area).  Visits to PMAT offices as needed, in San Diego, CA and Denver, CO.   Additionally visits to government facilities and customer locations will be required for customer engagement, demonstrations, team coordination, and for business growth.