Principal AI Architect

Job overview

The Principal AI Architect role is onsite at Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, MA. The stated annual salary range is $195,000–$215,000. The architect supports U.S. Department of Defense missions and the Air Force’s Automated Classification Management Environment program. The role defines secure, scalable AI architectures and technical roadmaps, guiding capabilities from experimentation through deployment and sustainment. This technical leadership helps translate mission needs into interoperable AI systems and supports modernization of classification management.

What you'll do

• Define enterprise and mission-level AI, machine-learning, and generative-AI architectures
• establish architecture principles and roadmaps
• lead architecture decisions across models, data, cloud, applications, cybersecurity, and edge computing
• guide AI lifecycle practices
• design LLM, RAG, and AI-agent solutions
• establish MLOps and DevSecOps patterns
• integrate security, compliance, responsible AI, and data governance
• advise government and program leaders
• mentor technical staff.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

principal ai architect

artificial intelligence

machine learning

generative ai

llms

rag

mlops

devsecops

dod

hanscom afb

bedford ma

top secret clearance

$195,000–$215,000/year

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• The employer describes an industry-competitive benefits package, awards and recognition, and personalized attention from senior managers.

Why this role

Requires U.S. citizenship, Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility, SAP screening, a relevant bachelor's degree, 15+ years in related technical fields, and 5+ years designing enterprise-scale AI/ML solutions.

About the employer

Applied Research Solutions is hiring for this role. Industry: Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology). Sector: 54.