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AI Engineer - (Remote - US) at ICF in Reston, VA
Skills
Job Description
ICF is seeking an AI Engineer with a passion for building applications that integrate AI into real-world workflows. This role sits at the intersection of software development and applied AI — you’ll design and build end-to-end solutions that help our clients solve complex problems, from back-end APIs and data integrations to polished, user-facing front-end experiences. Our projects span a wide range of platforms and technologies, so we need someone who is comfortable picking up new tools as needed — whether that’s a JavaScript framework, a Python dashboard, or a low-code platform like Microsoft Power Apps. We’re looking for someone who loves shipping products, can work across the full technology stack, and has the interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with both technical teams and non-technical stakeholders.
What you’ll be doing:
Build Full-Stack AI-Powered Applications (50%)
Design and develop end-to-end applications that integrate AI capabilities into client workflows, from database and API layers to front-end interfaces
Build back-end services in Python, including RESTful APIs, data pipelines, and integrations with AI/ML services and APIs (OpenAI, Anthropic, AWS Bedrock, Azure AI, etc.)
Develop front-end experiences using Python frameworks (Streamlit, Dash, Django) and JavaScript frameworks (React, Next.js) depending on project requirements
Connect applications with relational and NoSQL databases, cloud services, and third-party APIs
Maintain, troubleshoot, and extend existing low-code solutions (e.g., Microsoft Power Apps, SharePoint-based dashboards and workflows) — you don’t need to be an expert on day one, but you should be willing to dig in, learn the platform, and own it
Write clean, production-grade code with proper testing, documentation, and CI/CD practices
Rapid Prototyping and AI Integration (30%)
Create fast, compelling prototypes and proof-of-concept applications that demonstrate AI value to clients and stakeholders
Integrate large language models, generative AI services, and agentic frameworks into applications to automate workflows and enhance user experiences
Experiment with emerging AI tools and platforms (Claude, GPT, GitHub Copilot, AWS Q, LangChain, etc.) to accelerate development and push the boundaries of what’s possible
Translate client problems into concrete, buildable solutions with quick turnaround times
Collaboration and Client Interaction (20%)
Participate in client meetings, translating technical concepts into business value and gathering requirements
Work closely with project leads, designers, and data scientists across multiple client engagements
Communicate AI capabilities, limitations, and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
Provide technical consultation on solution feasibility, architecture decisions, and implementation approaches
Represent ICF professionally in client-facing settings — you should be someone we’re confident putting in front of a client
What you must have:
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field
3–5 years of professional software development experience, with demonstrable applied AI/ML integration work
Strong proficiency in Python, including experience building APIs (Flask, FastAPI, Django) and working with data libraries
Front-end development skills across both Python UI frameworks (Streamlit, Dash, Django templates) and JavaScript ecosystems (React, Next.js, or similar)
Experience integrating AI/ML models and services into production applications (API-based integration with LLMs, computer vision services, NLP tools, etc.)
Solid understanding of AI/ML fundamentals — you don’t need to train models from scratch, but you should understand how they work, when to use them, and how to evaluate their outputs
Experience with at least one major cloud platform (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and their AI/ML services
Proficiency in SQL and experience working with both relational and NoSQL databases
Familiarity with version control (Git), CI/CD pipelines, and modern software engineering practices
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills — demonstrated ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders in a clear, approachable way
A builder’s mindset: you default to shipping working software, not writing slide decks about it — and you’re not afraid to jump into an unfamiliar platform or codebase and figure it out
MUST RESIDE IN THE United States (U.S.) and the work MUST BE PERFORMED in the United States (U.S.), as this work is for a federal contract and laws do apply
Must be US Citizen or Permanent Resident (Greencard holder) due to a federal contract requirements.
What we’d like you to have:
Experience with generative AI, LLMs, and prompt engineering in production contexts
Familiarity with agentic AI frameworks (LangChain, LangGraph, CrewAI, or similar)
Experience building and deploying containerized applications (Docker, Kubernetes)
Experience with Microsoft Power Platform (Power Apps, Power Automate) and SharePoint development, including working with SharePoint lists and custom dashboards
Knowledge of data visualization tools and libraries (Plotly, D3.js, Tableau)
Background working on government or federal projects
Experience with Agile methodologies and cross-functional team environments
Familiarity with UI/UX principles and the ability to build intuitive, well-designed interfaces
Experience with real-time applications (WebSockets, server-sent events)
Ability to obtain security clearance
Prior consulting or client-facing experience
Why you’ll love working here:
Competitive vacation and retirement plans
Comprehensive health benefits
Flexible work location (fully remote)
Ongoing training and development opportunities
Friendly community with lots of social events
Participation in charity initiatives
Employee support program
Opportunity to work on a variety of impactful projects across multiple industries
Reporting Structure
This position reports to the Director of Data Science and will work across multiple client engagements, reporting to project-specific technical leads for day-to-day execution.
Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.
Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.
However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:
$89,649.00 - $152,404.00Nationwide Remote Office (US99)