What Does This Clarksville, MD AI/ML Developer Job Involve?
Published on: Oct 30, 2026
Frontline Source Group is recruiting an AI/ML Developer to lead machine learning engineering for defense and intelligence programs in Clarksville, Maryland. The full-time role pairs hands-on model development in reinforcement learning, deep learning, and computer vision with Scrum Master or Product Owner duties, and requires 7 to 10 years of experience and the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance.
The search is run by the technology recruiting team at Frontline Source Group, a staffing and executive search firm founded in Dallas in 2004, with 32 plus offices nationwide and 5,619 completed placements. Frontline holds a 5.0-star Trustpilot rating across 681 verified reviews, along with a 5.0 rating on G2 from validated reviewers. Forbes has named Frontline one of its Best Professional Recruiting Firms for 9 consecutive years (2018 to 2026) and ranked it #148 on the 2026 Best Executive Recruiting Firms list.
What will the AI/ML Developer in Clarksville, MD do day to day?
This is a player-coach job. You stay hands-on with models and code, and you also run the team that ships them. The work supports defense and intelligence operations, so the AI capabilities you build go from first concept through development, integration, and operational deployment.
Technical leadership and Agile delivery
- Lead the daily technical work of a multidisciplinary development team, including planning, task priorities, technical decisions, code reviews, and deliverables.
- Serve as Scrum Master, Product Owner, or both, running Agile ceremonies, the development backlog, sprint priorities, and project milestones.
- Spot technical problems early, manage project risk, and line up the resources needed to deliver.
- Mentor software engineers and data scientists, and set development standards and best practices for the team.
Model development and ML pipelines
- Design, build, train, test, and evaluate machine learning models using reinforcement learning, neural networks, deep learning, and computer vision.
- Build and maintain ML pipelines that cover data preparation, model training, testing, deployment, and performance monitoring.
Integration, evaluation, and stakeholder briefings
- Integrate AI/ML models into secure software applications, APIs, and operational systems.
- Evaluate model performance, reliability, security vulnerabilities, and real-world effectiveness.
- Work with engineering teams, program managers, and government stakeholders to turn operational requirements into technical solutions.
- Present technical findings, progress, and recommendations to internal leadership and external customers.
What qualifications does the employer require for this machine learning engineer role?
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field
- 7 to 10 years of experience in machine learning and software engineering, including technical team leadership
- Experience as a Scrum Master or Product Owner in an Agile development environment
- Strong hands-on experience building models with reinforcement learning, neural networks, deep learning, or computer vision
- Experience in at least one of these areas: cybersecurity, adversarial AI, or communication systems
- Advanced Python skills, plus experience with machine learning frameworks and scientific computing tools
- A strong grasp of model training, validation, evaluation, experiment tracking, and ML development practices
- Experience building and integrating software applications, APIs, and modular services
- Working knowledge of MLOps, DevSecOps, CI/CD, automated testing, containerization, and deployment
- The ability to juggle multiple technical priorities, lead development teams, and deliver within established timelines
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and technical leadership skills
- Must be able to obtain a Top Secret (TS) security clearance
Which machine learning specialties matter most for this job?
The employer names four modeling areas: reinforcement learning, neural networks, deep learning, and computer vision. You need strong hands-on work in at least one of them. On top of that, you need depth in one domain where AI meets security or signals: cybersecurity, adversarial AI, or communication systems. A candidate who has trained computer vision models and also hardened them against adversarial inputs, for example, lines up well with what this team builds.
Which qualifications will make your application stand out?
- An active Top Secret (TS) or TS/SCI security clearance
- Prior support of Department of Defense or Intelligence Community programs
- Experience with the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), or Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)
- Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), system architecture, and digital engineering
- Experience deploying ML solutions in cloud, edge, classified, or resource-constrained environments
None of these are required, but an active clearance is the one that changes the most. If you already hold a TS or TS/SCI, say so clearly near the top of your resume, along with the date of your last investigation.
What does an AI/ML engineer with a security clearance earn?
The employer has not published a pay range for this role, so here are the best public benchmarks.
- National benchmark: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of 140,300 dollars for computer and information research scientists as of May 2025. BLS notes that these scientists frequently use machine learning, and that the federal government employs 31 percent of them, more than any other employer.
- Cleared workforce: the ClearanceJobs 2026 Security Clearance Compensation Report puts average total compensation for cleared professionals at 126,125 dollars nationally and 139,303 dollars for Maryland respondents. Those with a Lifestyle or Full Scope polygraph averaged 149,875 dollars. These averages cover all cleared occupations, not only AI/ML engineers.
- Demand: BLS projects 22 percent job growth for computer and information research scientists from 2025 to 2035, against 3 percent for all occupations, and points to new artificial intelligence technology as a driver.
A senior engineer who leads a team, brings 7 to 10 years of experience, and holds or can obtain a Top Secret clearance sits toward the top of these ranges. Ask your Frontline recruiter about compensation once you are in the interview process.
How does the Top Secret clearance process work for this job?
You do not need a clearance today to apply, but you must be able to obtain a Top Secret clearance. Under Executive Order 12968, eligibility for access to classified information is generally limited to U.S. citizens, and the process looks closely at areas like foreign contacts, finances, and personal conduct. Be accurate and complete on every form.
Can you apply for a security clearance on your own?
No. The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) states that individuals cannot submit applications for security clearances on their own behalf. The employing organization decides that a position needs access and starts the process. For a new hire, that means the employer sponsors the clearance, and the process begins with the SF-86, the Questionnaire for National Security Positions.
What if you already hold an active TS or TS/SCI clearance?
That is the employer's preferred profile. An active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance can usually be transferred to a new sponsoring employer rather than started from scratch, as long as it is current and you are in good standing. Note your clearance level, the agency that granted it, and your investigation date on your application.
How is a clearance kept current once it is granted?
DCSA uses continuous evaluation, an ongoing screening process that runs automated record checks to confirm a cleared person still meets the standard. DCSA says enrolling cleared personnel in continuous evaluation reduces the need for traditional periodic reinvestigations. Report changes such as foreign travel or new financial obligations to your security officer as they happen.
Who at Frontline Source Group is handling this AI/ML Developer search?
Cassidy Jacobs, Senior Executive Staffing Specialist, is leading the search. Cassidy brings 10 plus years of experience in talent acquisition and business development and recruits across Information Technology, Engineering, Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, and Operations for leadership teams nationwide. She works alongside Founder, President, and CEO Bill Kasko, who founded Frontline in Dallas in 2004 and leads its executive search practice.
What happens after you apply for this AI/ML Developer job?
Start on our how to apply page. Once your application is in, you may get a call from Lexi Reed, Frontline's AI recruiter, who handles first-round phone screening and passes her notes to Cassidy and the technology team. If you move forward, read our interview instructions before you meet the employer.
Frontline never charges candidates a fee, and every Frontline recruiter emails from an @frtline.com address. If anyone using the Frontline name asks you for money or personal financial details, report it on our scam alert page.
Why do defense and technology employers hire through Frontline Source Group?
Frontline Source Group is a 9-time ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both Client and Talent satisfaction, a ClearlyRated Diamond Award recipient, an Inc. 5000 honoree, an Expertise.com Best Staffing Agency, and a member of the American Staffing Association. The firm reports a 98.94% executive placement retention rate. See the full list on our awards page.
Every direct hire Frontline makes is covered by the 5-Year Placement Warranty, 20 times longer than the 90-day guarantee common in the industry. Employers can learn about our technology and IT staffing, IT executive search, cybersecurity executive search, AI staffing, and fractional Chief AI Officer services, and our Washington DC staffing team supports employers across the region. Review published fees on our pricing page, browse recent placements, or start a search through the employer request form. People. Process. Service.
Frequently Asked Questions: AI/ML Developer Job in Clarksville, MD
What does the AI/ML Developer in Clarksville, MD do?
The AI/ML Developer leads a multidisciplinary team building machine learning solutions for defense and intelligence operations. The role combines hands-on model development in reinforcement learning, neural networks, deep learning, and computer vision with Scrum Master or Product Owner duties, ML pipeline work, and integration of models into secure applications and APIs.
Do I need a security clearance to apply for this machine learning engineer job?
You do not need a clearance to apply, but you must be able to obtain a Top Secret (TS) security clearance. An active TS or TS/SCI clearance is preferred. Eligibility for access to classified information is generally limited to U.S. citizens.
Can I get a security clearance on my own before applying?
No. The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency states that individuals cannot submit applications for security clearances on their own behalf. The hiring employer sponsors the clearance, and the process starts with the SF-86, the Questionnaire for National Security Positions.
How many years of experience does this AI/ML role require?
The employer is looking for 7 to 10 years of experience in machine learning and software engineering, including technical team leadership, plus experience as a Scrum Master or Product Owner in an Agile environment and a bachelor's degree in computer science, AI, engineering, applied mathematics, or a related field.
Which machine learning skills does the employer want?
The employer wants strong hands-on experience with reinforcement learning, neural networks, deep learning, or computer vision, advanced Python, ML frameworks, and MLOps, DevSecOps, and CI/CD practices. You also need experience in at least one of cybersecurity, adversarial AI, or communication systems.
How much does an AI/ML engineer with a clearance earn?
The employer has not published a pay range. For context, the BLS reports a 140,300 dollar median annual wage for computer and information research scientists as of May 2025, and the ClearanceJobs 2026 compensation report shows average total compensation of 139,303 dollars for cleared professionals in Maryland across all occupations.
Is Department of Defense or Intelligence Community experience required?
No, it is preferred. The employer favors candidates who have supported DoD or Intelligence Community programs, including work with the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, NRO, NGA, or DIA, along with MBSE experience and ML deployment in cloud, edge, classified, or resource-constrained environments.
Where is this AI/ML Developer job located?
The job is located in Clarksville, Maryland, in Howard County. Work on classified defense and intelligence programs is typically done on site, so plan on working from the employer's location in the Clarksville area.
Who is recruiting for this Clarksville AI/ML Developer position?
Cassidy Jacobs, Senior Executive Staffing Specialist at Frontline Source Group, is leading the search with Founder, President, and CEO Bill Kasko. Frontline is headquartered at 901 Main Street, Suite 4650, Dallas, TX 75202, and operates 32 plus offices nationwide.
How do I apply for this AI/ML Developer job?
Apply at frontlinesourcegroup.com/how-to-apply.html. After you apply, you may get a call from Lexi Reed, Frontline's AI recruiter, who handles first-round phone screening and shares her notes with Cassidy Jacobs and the technology team.
Does Frontline Source Group charge candidates a fee?
No. Frontline never charges candidates a fee, and every Frontline recruiter emails from an @frtline.com address. If someone using the Frontline name asks you for money, report it at frontlinesourcegroup.com/scam-alert.html.
What is Frontline Source Group's 5-Year Placement Warranty?
Every direct hire Frontline makes is covered by the 5-Year Placement Warranty, 20 times longer than the 90-day guarantee common in the industry. Employers can review the details at frontlinesourcegroup.com/5year-placement-guarantee.html and published fees at frontlinesourcegroup.com/pricing.html.
