Lead AI/ML Software Engineer

Job overview

The Lead AI/ML Software Engineer role is remote within the U.S., with a preference for candidates near Raft hubs, including Boston, MA. The salary range is $180,000–$230,000 per year, and travel may be up to 25%. Raft builds AI, data, and digital solutions for U.S. military and government agencies, including its [R]AIMS AI Mission System. The role provides hands-on technical leadership to evolve [R]AIMS architecture and engineering practices. It leads major platform initiatives, improves distributed-system performance and reliability, establishes reusable engineering patterns, mentors engineers, and partners on AI/ML integration to support mission workflows.

What you'll do

• Drive [R]AIMS architectural decisions
• lead technical initiatives from conception through delivery
• simplify distributed-system architecture
• optimize performance across edge and cloud deployments
• establish reusable engineering patterns
• mentor engineers and conduct design reviews
• partner with AI/ML engineers on model integration, inference optimization, and operational deployment of agentic workflows
• engage with customers and program stakeholders.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

lead ai/ml software engineer

artificial intelligence

machine learning

distributed systems

kubernetes

cloud-native

data-intensive systems

remote within the u.s.

$180,000–$230,000/year

up to 25% travel

u.s. citizenship required

top secret/sci eligibility

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Fully covered healthcare, dental, and vision
• 401(k) with company match
• flexible PTO and 11 paid holidays
• education and training benefits
• referral bonuses.

Why this role

Requires U.S. citizenship and eligibility and willingness to obtain a Top Secret/SCI clearance; no clearance is required to start. Requires 6+ years of hands-on production software experience and ability to obtain Security+ certification within the first 90 days. Up to 25% travel.

About the employer

Raft Company Website is hiring for this role. Industry: Engineering Services. Sector: 54.