Principal AI/ML Solution Architect

Principal AI/ML Solution Architect

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).

Key skills/competency

• AI/ML Architecture
• Intelligent Agents
• Generative AI
• Cloud-Native Solutions
• DevSecOps
• AI Governance
• Digital Modernization
• LLM Integration
• Solution Design
• Executive Leadership