Employers. 67 that actually hire for AI.

Roles

Machine learning engineer, Data scientist, Computer scientist, Signals intelligence analyst, Research mathematician

Locations

Fort Meade MD (DMV), San Antonio TX, Honolulu HI, Augusta GA

Apply via

intelligencecareers.gov/nsa (NSA portal, not USAJobs)

Hires AI talent in bulk but the clearance pipeline runs 12-18 months. Apply before you ETS, not after.

Roles

Data scientist, AI/ML engineer, Open source officer, Targeting analyst, Software engineer

Locations

Langley VA (DMV), Denver CO

Apply via

cia.gov/careers (CIA portal only, not on USAJobs)

Polygraph required for most roles. Process is slow and opaque. Plan on a year-plus from apply to start.

Roles

All-source analyst, Data scientist, Computer scientist, AI engineer, GEOINT analyst

Locations

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling DC (DMV), Huntsville AL (MSIC), Charlottesville VA (NGIC)

Apply via

dia.mil/Careers and USAJobs (DIA postings on both)

Good landing pad for analysts who want to add AI/ML skills on the job. MSIC Huntsville is the underrated AI hire spot.

Roles

Computer vision engineer, GEOINT analyst, Data scientist, Software engineer, ML researcher

Locations

Springfield VA (DMV), St. Louis MO (NGA West)

Apply via

nga.mil/careers and USAJobs

Heavy computer vision and remote sensing hiring. NGA West in St. Louis is growing fast and cheaper to live near.

Roles

Systems engineer, Data scientist, AI/ML engineer, Software engineer, Mission integrator

Locations

Chantilly VA (DMV), Aurora CO

Apply via

nro.gov/Careers (cadre) and contractor portals (most roles)

Most NRO work happens through contractors (Aerospace, Lockheed, Northrop). Direct cadre hiring is small. Aim for the prime if you want NRO work fast.

Roles

Data scientist, Computer scientist, Intelligence analyst, Digital forensics examiner, Special agent (STEM)

Locations

Washington DC (DMV), Quantico VA, Huntsville AL (Redstone), Field offices nationwide

Apply via

fbijobs.gov (FBI portal, not USAJobs)

Huntsville Redstone campus is the FBI's data and cyber hub. Polygraph required. Process is slow.

Roles

Policy officer, Data scientist, AI policy analyst, Mission integrator, Acquisition officer

Locations

McLean VA (DMV)

Apply via

dni.gov/careers and IC joint duty assignments

Small headcount. Most ODNI billets are joint duty rotations from other IC agencies. Hard to enter cold.

Roles

Data scientist, Health informatics specialist, ML engineer, IT specialist, Program analyst

Locations

DMV, Austin TX, Salt Lake City UT, Remote (many roles)

Apply via

USAJobs (VA postings)

Largest healthcare AI dataset in the US. No clearance needed for most roles. Often the fastest federal civilian path for veterans.

Roles

Data scientist, Cyber analyst (CISA), AI engineer, Intelligence analyst (I&A), Software engineer

Locations

DMV, Field offices nationwide

Apply via

USAJobs (DHS, CISA, I&A postings)

CISA is the strongest AI/cyber hiring component. I&A clears people but the mission is narrower than IC peers.

Roles

ML researcher, Computational scientist, Cyber researcher, Systems engineer, R&D scientist

Locations

Albuquerque NM, Livermore CA

Apply via

sandia.gov/careers (Sandia portal)

DOE/NNSA lab run by Honeywell. Nuclear weapons mission, but AI/ML hiring is broad. Q clearance is common.

Roles

ML researcher, HPC engineer, Data scientist, Computational scientist, Postdoc researcher

Locations

Oak Ridge TN

Apply via

ornl.gov/careers (ORNL portal, UT-Battelle contractor)

Frontier supercomputer lives here. Strong on foundation-model training research. Most roles don't need a clearance.

Roles

ML researcher, Computational scientist, Data scientist, HPC engineer, Cyber researcher

Locations

Livermore CA

Apply via

llnl.gov/careers (LLNL portal)

NNSA lab. Heavy on simulation, climate, and weapons AI. Q clearance common. Bay Area cost of living applies.

Roles

Data scientist, Financial intelligence analyst, ML engineer, Economist, IT specialist

Locations

DMV, Remote (many IRS data roles)

Apply via

USAJobs (Treasury postings)

FinCEN and IRS RAAS are the strongest AI shops. Pay caps below IC, but no polygraph and faster onboarding.

Roles

Data scientist, Health informatics specialist, ML engineer, Program analyst, Actuary

Locations

Baltimore MD (DMV), Remote

Apply via

USAJobs (CMS postings)

Massive claims dataset. No clearance needed. Telework-friendly. Lower ceiling than IC but easier entry.

Roles

AI/ML engineer, Data scientist, Cloud engineer, MLOps engineer, AI strategy consultant

Locations

DMV (HQ McLean), Huntsville AL, Tampa FL, San Diego CA, Remote (some)

Apply via

careers.boozallen.com

Biggest federal AI prime by headcount. Pays market-ish for cleared talent. Heavy IC and DoD work.

Roles

Data scientist, AI engineer, Software engineer, Cyber engineer, Systems engineer

Locations

Reston VA (HQ, DMV), Huntsville AL, Orlando FL, San Diego CA

Apply via

careers.leidos.com

Huge book of IC and DoD AI work. Good clearance sponsorship for transitioning service members.

Roles

AI/ML engineer, Autonomy engineer, Systems engineer, Software engineer, Research scientist

Locations

Palmdale CA (Skunk Works), Bethesda MD (HQ), Orlando FL, Denver CO, Fort Worth TX

Apply via

lockheedmartinjobs.com

Skunk Works hires AI for autonomous aircraft. Spectrum is the AI/ML internal brand. Process is slow but pay is solid.

Roles

AI/ML engineer, Autonomy engineer, Systems engineer, Software engineer, Cyber engineer

Locations

DMV, Huntsville AL, San Diego CA, Melbourne FL, Colorado Springs CO

Apply via

northropgrumman.com/careers

Big on autonomy, B-21, and space. Huntsville and San Diego sites hire AI aggressively.

Roles

AI/ML engineer, Software engineer, Systems engineer, Research scientist (RTX BBN), Data scientist

Locations

Arlington VA (HQ, DMV), Tucson AZ, Cambridge MA (BBN), Tewksbury MA, Aurora CO

Apply via

careers.rtx.com

RTX BBN in Cambridge is one of the oldest DARPA AI shops. Strong NLP and speech AI history.

Roles

AI/ML engineer, Systems engineer, Software engineer, Intelligence analyst, Cyber engineer

Locations

Arlington VA (US HQ, DMV), Nashua NH, San Diego CA, Huntsville AL

Apply via

baesystems.com/en-us/careers (US portal)

FAST Labs is the R&D arm doing AI/ML. US side of a UK parent. Clearance work is firewalled appropriately.

Roles

Data scientist, AI engineer, Cloud engineer, Software engineer, Systems engineer

Locations

Reston VA (HQ, DMV), Huntsville AL, San Diego CA, Charleston SC

Apply via

jobs.saic.com

Heavy IC, DoD, and civilian agency book. Recently launched a dedicated AI practice. Will sponsor clearances.

Roles

Data scientist, AI engineer, Cloud engineer, Systems engineer, Cyber engineer

Locations

Falls Church VA (HQ, DMV), Tampa FL, San Antonio TX, Remote (some)

Apply via

gdit.com/careers

Big civilian agency book (VA, CDC, SSA) on top of DoD/IC. Easier landing pad if you don't have a clearance yet.

Roles

Cyber engineer, Data scientist, AI engineer, Software engineer, Intelligence analyst

Locations

Herndon VA (HQ, DMV), Huntsville AL, Tampa FL, San Antonio TX

Apply via

mantech.com/careers

Cleared-heavy. Acquired by Carlyle in 2022, went private and stayed focused on IC/DoD. Strong cyber pipeline.

Roles

Intelligence analyst, Data scientist, Software engineer, SIGINT analyst, Cyber engineer

Locations

Reston VA (HQ, DMV), Tampa FL, San Antonio TX, Augusta GA

Apply via

careers.caci.com

Probably the highest cleared-hire ratio of any big prime. If you have a TS/SCI, recruiters will find you.

Roles

AI/ML engineer, Data scientist, Cloud architect, Management consultant, Software engineer

Locations

Arlington VA (HQ, DMV), San Antonio TX, Remote (many)

Apply via

accenture.com/us-en/careers/federal

Strong civilian agency consulting work. AI Studio in Arlington. Better fit for consulting-minded operators than pure engineers.

Roles

AI/ML specialist, Data scientist, Cloud engineer, Management consultant, Cyber specialist

Locations

Arlington VA (DMV), Remote (many), Major metros

Apply via

apply.deloitte.com (GPS practice filter)

Up-or-out consulting culture. Pays well at senior levels. Watch for billable-utility pressure.

Roles

Systems engineer, Data scientist, Software engineer, AI engineer, Mission integrator

Locations

Houston TX (HQ), Huntsville AL, Colorado Springs CO, DMV

Apply via

careers.kbr.com

Space, defense, and intel work. Huntsville and Colorado Springs are the AI/space hubs.

Roles

Data scientist, Cyber engineer, AI/ML engineer, Software engineer, Intelligence analyst

Locations

Herndon VA (HQ, DMV), Colorado Springs CO, San Antonio TX

Apply via

careers.peraton.com

Built from Veritas-acquired Perspecta, Northrop IT services, and Engility. Mostly cleared work.

Roles

Data scientist, ML engineer, Program analyst, Cloud engineer, Contact center AI specialist

Locations

Tysons VA (HQ, DMV), Remote (many)

Apply via

maximus.com/careers

Civilian agency work: CMS, IRS, SSA contact centers. Strong on conversational AI. Low pay ceiling but easy entry.

Roles

AI/ML researcher, Cyber researcher, Software engineer, Data scientist, OSINT engineer

Locations

Arlington VA (DMV)

Apply via

twosixtech.com/careers

Cleared boutique that grew fast on DARPA and IC work. Strong AI/ML research arm. Mostly TS/SCI billets.

Roles

Autonomy engineer, ML engineer, Software engineer, Perception engineer, Mission systems engineer

Locations

Costa Mesa CA (HQ), Atlanta GA (Arsenal-1), DMV, Boston MA

Apply via

anduril.com/careers

Product company, not a prime in the classic sense. Lattice + Roadrunner + Fury. Will sponsor clearances for the right candidates.

Roles

Forward deployed engineer, Software engineer, Data engineer, ML engineer, Deployment strategist

Locations

DMV, Denver CO, Seattle WA, New York NY, Remote (some)

Apply via

jobs.lever.co/palantir

Heavy DoD/IC work via Foundry and AIP. Forward Deployed is the operator role: think product engineer plus mission consultant.

Roles

Autonomy engineer, ML engineer, Robotics engineer, Software engineer, Flight test engineer

Locations

San Diego CA (HQ), Dallas TX, DMV

Apply via

shield.ai/careers

Hivemind autonomy stack for drones and V-BAT. Veteran-founded. Will sponsor clearances. status as of 2026-06, verify with the program before relying on it

Roles

ML engineer, Forward deployed engineer, Data engineer, Solutions architect, Research engineer

Locations

San Francisco CA (HQ), DMV, Remote

Apply via

scale.com/careers (filter for Public Sector / Federal)

Donovan is the federal LLM product. Federal team is smaller than the commercial side but growing. status as of 2026-06, verify with the program before relying on it

Roles

AI researcher, Systems engineer, Cyber researcher, Data scientist, Operations researcher

Locations

McLean VA (DMV), Bedford MA, Colorado Springs CO, San Diego CA

Apply via

mitre.org/careers

Operates several FFRDCs (DoD, IRS, FAA, etc.). Conflict-of-interest rules mean MITRE doesn't compete with primes, which is good for objective work.

Roles

Policy researcher, Operations researcher, Data scientist, AI policy analyst, Quantitative analyst

Locations

Santa Monica CA (HQ), Arlington VA (DMV), Pittsburgh PA, Boston MA

Apply via

rand.org/about/employment.html

Policy-leaning, not engineering-leaning. PhDs dominate. Good fit for analysts who write well and think about second-order effects.

Roles

Research staff member, Operations researcher, Data scientist, AI researcher, Systems analyst

Locations

Alexandria VA (DMV), Bowie MD, Princeton NJ (CCS)

Apply via

ida.org/careers

Three FFRDCs serving OSD, IC, and DARPA. Heavy PhD culture. CCS in Princeton does cryptologic AI work.

Roles

AI/ML researcher, Software engineer, Systems engineer, Cyber researcher, Research scientist

Locations

Laurel MD (DMV)

Apply via

jhuapl.edu/careers

Technically a UARC. Strong AI/ML research. Big intern-to-FTE pipeline. Tuition benefits for grad school are real.

Roles

AI/ML researcher, Signal processing engineer, Software engineer, Research scientist, Systems engineer

Locations

Lexington MA

Apply via

ll.mit.edu/careers

MIT-affiliated FFRDC for DoD. Strong on radar, AI, and space. Clearance required for almost everything. Pays under industry but the work is the draw.

Roles

Systems engineer, Data scientist, AI/ML engineer, Software engineer, Research scientist

Locations

El Segundo CA (HQ), Chantilly VA (DMV), Colorado Springs CO, Albuquerque NM

Apply via

aerospace.org/careers

FFRDC for Space Force, NRO, and SDA. AI/ML hiring is growing alongside the space mission build-out.

Roles

AI engineer, Cyber researcher, Software engineer, Research scientist, ML researcher

Locations

Pittsburgh PA (HQ), Arlington VA (DMV)

Apply via

sei.cmu.edu/careers

DoD FFRDC run by CMU. AI Division and CERT are the hiring centers of gravity. Tuition benefits for CMU programs.

Roles

Research engineer, AI/ML engineer, Software engineer, Signal processing engineer, Systems engineer

Locations

Atlanta GA, Huntsville AL, Warner Robins GA

Apply via

gtri.gatech.edu/careers

Not technically an FFRDC but functions like one for DoD. Strong EW, ISR, and AI/ML work. Atlanta cost of living is a plus.

Roles

Software engineer, ML engineer, Forward deployed engineer, Data engineer, Product engineer

Locations

Palo Alto CA (HQ), DMV, Remote (some)

Apply via

vannevarlabs.com/careers

Foreign-language OSINT and counter-disinformation tooling for DoD/IC. Will sponsor clearances. status as of 2026-06, verify with the program before relying on it

Roles

ML engineer, Software engineer, Forward deployed engineer, Data engineer, Mission engineer

Locations

Washington DC (DMV), Boulder CO, London UK

Apply via

rebelliondefense.com/careers

Had layoffs in 2023-2024 and lost some big contracts. Check current status before applying. status as of 2026-06, verify with the program before relying on it

Roles

ML engineer, NLP engineer, Software engineer, Forward deployed engineer, Data engineer

Locations

San Francisco CA (HQ), DMV, Remote (some)

Apply via

primer.ai/careers

NLP and document understanding for IC/DoD. Headcount has fluctuated. status as of 2026-06, verify with the program before relying on it

Roles

RF signals engineer, Data scientist, ML engineer, Software engineer, Mission analyst

Locations

Herndon VA (DMV)

Apply via

he360.com/careers

Commercial RF geolocation from satellites. Strong IC and allied government customers. Growing engineering team.

Roles

ML engineer, Software engineer, Data scientist, Research engineer, Solutions engineer

Locations

Raleigh NC, Remote

Apply via

howso.com/careers

Rebranded from Diveplane in 2024. Interpretable ML focus. Small team, federal work via SBIR. status as of 2026-06, verify with the program before relying on it

Roles

Solutions architect, ML engineer, Field engineer, Federal sales engineer, Data engineer

Locations

DMV, San Francisco CA (HQ), Remote

Apply via

databricks.com/company/careers (filter for Federal)

Acquired MosaicML in 2023. Federal practice is growing. Not really a small business anymore but the federal team is small enough to feel like one.

Roles

ML engineer, MLOps engineer, Software engineer, Forward deployed engineer, Data engineer

Locations

Austin TX (HQ), DMV

Apply via

striveworks.com/careers

MLOps platform Chariot used by DoD customers. Austin base. Smaller team, fewer billets but less bureaucracy.

Roles

Data scientist, Software engineer, Forward deployed analyst, Acquisition analyst, ML engineer

Locations

Arlington VA (DMV), Pittsburgh PA

Apply via

govini.com/careers

Decision-science platform Ark for DoD acquisition. Good fit for veterans with acquisition or PM background.

Roles

ML engineer, Software engineer, Trust and safety analyst, Data scientist, Computer vision engineer

Locations

McLean VA (DMV), Remote

Apply via

id.me/careers

Identity verification for IRS, VA, SSA, and most state agencies. Veteran-founded. Civilian-side, no clearance needed.

Roles

Autonomy engineer, ML engineer, Robotics engineer, Software engineer, Mission systems engineer

Locations

Austin TX (HQ)

Apply via

saronic.com/careers

Autonomous surface vessels for Navy and allied customers. Veteran-founded. Hiring aggressively. status as of 2026-06, verify with the program before relying on it

Roles

Autonomy engineer, ML engineer, Ocean engineer, Software engineer, Mission operations specialist

Locations

Alameda CA (HQ), DMV

Apply via

saildrone.com/careers

Uncrewed surface vehicles for ocean ISR and NOAA. Growing DoD book. status as of 2026-06, verify with the program before relying on it

Roles

Simulation engineer, Autonomy engineer, ML engineer, Software engineer, Forward deployed engineer

Locations

Mountain View CA (HQ), DMV, Ann Arbor MI

Apply via

appliedintuition.com/careers (filter for Defense)

Autonomy simulation platform. Defense team launched in 2023-2024. Auto-industry pedigree applied to military autonomy.

Roles

Cloud solution architect, ML engineer, Software engineer, Federal sales engineer, Security engineer

Locations

Reston VA (DMV), Redmond WA, Remote (some)

Apply via

careers.microsoft.com (filter for Federal / Public Sector)

Azure Government and Azure Government Secret/Top Secret. Big JWCC and IC contracts. Will sponsor clearances.

Roles

Solutions architect, ML engineer, Software engineer, Federal sales engineer, Cloud support engineer

Locations

Arlington VA (HQ2, DMV), Herndon VA, Seattle WA, Remote (some)

Apply via

amazon.jobs/en/teams/worldwide-public-sector

AWS GovCloud, Secret Region, Top Secret Region. JWCC carrier. Strong clearance sponsorship pipeline.

Roles

Cloud engineer, ML engineer, Customer engineer, Software engineer, Security engineer

Locations

Reston VA (DMV), Sunnyvale CA, Remote (some)

Apply via

googlepublicsector.com/careers

Spun out as a separate subsidiary in 2022. JWCC carrier. Gemini for Government and Workspace in the regulated clouds.

Roles

Cloud engineer, Database engineer, Solutions architect, ML engineer, Federal sales engineer

Locations

Reston VA (DMV), Austin TX, Remote

Apply via

oracle.com/corporate/careers (filter for Public Sector)

OCI Government and DISA cloud work. JWCC carrier. Database mission gives it a sticky federal book.

Roles

AI/ML engineer, Cloud engineer, Consultant, Software engineer, Research scientist

Locations

Bethesda MD (DMV), Armonk NY, Remote

Apply via

ibm.com/employment (filter for Public Sector / Federal)

watsonx for Government. Stronger in consulting than product. Process is slow but pay at senior levels is solid.

Roles

Solutions engineer, AI engineer, Cloud engineer, Federal sales engineer, Customer success manager

Locations

McLean VA (DMV), Remote

Apply via

salesforce.com/company/careers (filter for Public Sector)

Gov Cloud Plus IL5. Strong civilian agency footprint (HHS, DoD components). Einstein/Agentforce for Government coming up.

Roles

Solutions engineer, AI engineer, Platform architect, Federal sales engineer, Customer success manager

Locations

Vienna VA (DMV), Santa Clara CA, Remote

Apply via

careers.servicenow.com (filter for Federal)

Now Assist for Government, FedRAMP High and IL5. Workflow AI is the wedge. Growing federal team.

Roles

Forward deployed engineer, ML engineer, Solutions architect, Federal account executive, Policy specialist

Locations

San Francisco CA (HQ), DMV, Remote (some)

Apply via

anthropic.com/careers (filter for Public Sector)

Claude Gov launched 2025. Public sector team is small and selective. status as of 2026-06, verify with the program before relying on it

Roles

ML engineer, Software engineer, Autonomy engineer, Mission engineer, Forward deployed engineer

Locations

Munich DE (HQ), London UK, Paris FR, US presence growing

Apply via

helsing.ai/jobs

European defense AI company. US footprint is small but expanding. Visa and clearance friction for US-only candidates.

Roles

Software engineer, Data scientist, Cyber engineer, Systems engineer, Cloud engineer

Locations

Beltsville MD (DMV), Huntsville AL, Colorado Springs CO

Apply via

asrcfederal.com/careers

Alaska Native Corporation contractor with strong IC/DoD book. Tribal 8(a) advantage in sole-source work.

Roles

Data scientist, AI/ML engineer, Cyber engineer, Cloud engineer, Software engineer

Locations

Fairfax VA (DMV), Huntsville AL

Apply via

ecstech.com/careers

Owned by ASGN. Strong civilian agency footprint plus DoD. Good clearance sponsorship for mid-career hires.

Roles

AI/ML engineer, Cyber engineer, Software engineer, Data scientist, Systems engineer

Locations

Reston VA (DMV), Huntsville AL

Apply via

nciinc.com/careers

Mid-tier integrator with DoD and IC book. Shield AI internal product brand for federal ML.

Roles

Cyber engineer, Network engineer, Cloud engineer, Data scientist, Software engineer

Locations

Arlington VA (DMV), Tampa FL, San Antonio TX

Apply via

bylight.com/careers

Heavy DoD network and cyber work. AI/ML is a smaller practice but growing. Veteran-friendly culture.