Remote AI Engineer (VA ESOM)

Overview Thank you for considering IT Concepts dba Kentro, where innovation drives opportunity and collaboration leads to success. Our dynamic community of experts is fully committed to advancing our customers' missions, fostering professional growth, and making a positive impact on our communities. By joining our supportive community, you will find that Kentro is dedicated to your personal and professional development. Together, we can drive meaningful change, spark innovation, and achieve extraordinary milestones. Kentro is hiring an experienced a remote AI Engineer to support our VA-ESOM (End Point Support and Operations Monitoring) contract across the United States. The VA is responsible for providing comprehensive onsite and remote support to IT customers across all VA Administrations and special program offices, including direct support of over 340,000 VA employees and thousands of contractors who use government-furnished IT equipment and infrastructure. The VA provides support staff across 100+ CONUS and OCONUS locations, including difficult-to-accommodate locales, such as high cost of living or under-supported economic areas, where VA offices or facilities may be located and require onsite services. Location: This position can be performed remotely within the United States and will support Eastern Time working hours. ABOUT OTG The Operations Triage Group (OTG) provides expert engineering and data science support to VA OIT Senior Leadership (CIO, PDAS, SES) for the 100 most critical VA systems (C-100). We deliver strategic intelligence through major incident triage, daily executive briefings, and operational insights that directly impact Veterans' access to healthcare and benefits. POSITION OVERVIEW The AI Engineer serves as a hands-on technical execution specialist, building and maintaining the AI infrastructure that powers OTG's mission-critical capabilities. You will implement AI/ML solutions, integrate complex data pipelines, and configure cloud-based AI platforms that translate architectural vision into operational reality. This is a technical execution position requiring deep engineering proficiency, data integration expertise, and the ability to deliver reliable AI solutions in a complex federal IT environment. Responsibilities AI Implementation & Platform Engineering • Configure and maintain cloud AI services, databases, and supporting infrastructure • Build and optimize data pipelines that ingest, transform, and prepare operational data for AI/ML applications • Implement context modeling, embedding architectures, and retrieval systems (RAG, vector databases, etc.) • Integrate AI capabilities with existing enterprise platforms including ServiceNow, monitoring tools, and other enterprise data repositories • Translate architectural designs into production-ready technical implementations Data Integration & Quality • Design and execute data integration workflows connecting disparate VA data sources • Assess and improve data quality to meet AI/ML application requirements • Collaborate with data scientists to operationalize models and ensure data readiness • Document data flows, transformation logic, and integration dependencies Collaboration & Technical Support • Partner with the AI Solutions Architect to execute against established roadmaps and technical designs • Support data scientists with platform configuration, tooling, and pipeline infrastructure • Participate in testing, debugging, and performance optimization of AI systems • Coordinate with CAIO and cloud platform teams on implementation requirements and technical constraints Documentation & Continuous Improvement • Maintain thorough technical documentation of configurations, implementations, and system changes • Identify and surface technical risks, blockers, and optimization opportunities • Stay current on cloud AI capabilities, federal AI implementation standards, and relevant platform updates Qualifications Education & Experience • Master's degree or higher in Computer Science, Data Science, Systems Engineering, Information Technology, or related technical field. 10 additional years of experience can be used as an alternative to the education requirement for a total of 20+ years of experience. • 10+ years professional experience in AI/ML engineering, data engineering, or cloud platform roles • Hands-on experience building and maintaining data pipelines and AI/ML infrastructure • Prior experience implementing solutions in enterprise cloud environments Technical Expertise • Proficiency with cloud AI services and supporting infrastructure (Azure, AWS, or GCP) • Experience with data integration patterns, ETL/ELT workflows, and data transformation tools • Working knowledge of AI/ML concepts including model deployment, context modeling, and retrieval architectures • Familiarity with vector databases, embedding models, and RAG implementation • Experience with APIs, data architectures, and cloud/hybrid system integration • Familiarity with ITSM platforms (ServiceNow preferred) and IT operations data structures • Proficiency in Python or equivalent language for data engineering and AI pipeline development Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills • Ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues across integrated systems • Detail-oriented with strong documentation discipline • Comfortable operating with ambiguous requirements in a dynamic environment Personal Attributes • Execution-Focused: Bias toward building, delivering, and iterating • Collaborative: Works effectively across data science, architecture, and government stakeholder teams • Adaptable: Thrives in environments with evolving priorities and emerging technology • Accountable: Takes ownership of technical deliverables and communicates blockers proactively • Mission-Focused: Connects technical work to Veteran impact and VA mission outcomes PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Federal government experience, particularly within VA or Department of Defense • Experience with ServiceNow data structures and incident management workflows • Prior work within federal AI governance or CAIO-aligned processes • Cloud AI platform certification (Azure, AWS, or GCP equivalent) • Experience working in distributed, remote teams • Background in SRE practices, IT operations, or reliability engineering Clearance Requirement: • US Citizen or Green card holder • Willing and able to obtain and maintain Public Trust Clearance • Must meet updated ID requirements: https://www.gsa.gov/technology/it-contract-vehicles-and-purchasing-programs/federal-credentialing-services/get-appointment-help/bring-required-documents • If you do not currently meet the ID requirements outlined, you must be willing and able to update your current forms of ID in a timely manner to complete the suitability process successfully. Benefits The Company We believe in generating success collaboratively, enabling long-term mission success, and building trust for the next challenge. With you as our partner, let's solve challenges, think innovatively, and maximize impact. As a valued member of our team, you have the unique opportunity to work in a diverse range of technology and business career paths, all while supporting our nation and delivering innovative technology solutions. We are a close community of experts that pride ourselves on creating an environment defined by teamwork, dedication, and excellence. We hold three ISO certifications (27001:2013, 20000-1:2011, 9001:2015), two CMMI ML 3 ratings (DEV and SVC) and CMMC Level 2 Certification. Industry Recognition Growth | Inc 5000's Fastest Growing Private Companies, DC Metro List Fastest Growing; Washington Business Journal: Fastest Growing Companies, Top Performing Small Technology Companies in Greater D.C. Culture | Northern Virginia Technology Council Tech 100 Honoree; Virginia Best Place to Work; Washington Business Journal: Best Places to Work, Corporate Diversity Index Winner - Mid-Size Companies, Companies Owne