AI ML Ops Engineer

Description

We are seeking an AI/ML Ops Engineer who is passionate about transforming AI/ML capabilities, especially Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Models (LLMs/Generative AI), into tangible, high-value features within modern software systems. This role supports a major digital modernization initiative focused on workforce development infrastructure across Puerto Rico.

You will focus on automating the deployment, integration, and operationalization of AI capabilities, working with pre-trained and custom models to ensure they are seamlessly embedded into production systems for measurable business and user impact. This includes designing and managing scalable AI/ML pipelines, integrating models with cloud-native platforms, and ensuring solutions remain reliable, explainable, and continuously optimized.

This position requires strong MLOps expertise, technical curiosity, and the ability to engage directly with clients, data scientists, and engineers. The work supports a modular, cloud-native platform that spans multiple local development areas and improves public service delivery across Puerto Rico.

Job Location: This position is based in Puerto Rico.

What you'll be doing:

• Participate in client and stakeholder sessions to identify automation opportunities and requirements for AI integration, focusing on practical deployment within existing and new systems.
  
• Implement AI-driven automation using a mix of pre-trained and fine-tuned models, including NLP and LLM-based solutions, for tasks such as text generation, summarization, classification, and conversational interfaces.
  
• Work with data scientists and developers to package and deploy AI capabilities via CI/CD pipelines and container orchestration tools.
  
• Integrate cloud-hosted AI/ML services (AWS SageMaker, Azure ML, GCP Vertex AI, OpenAI, Azure OpenAI) into production systems with security, scalability, and compliance in mind.
  
• Apply AI-augmented coding best practices to accelerate development cycles and improve code quality through intelligent tooling and automated testing.
  
• Automate AI workflows for ingestion, inference, retraining, and performance optimization, ensuring sustained business value.
  
• Implement monitoring solutions for AI feature performance, including drift detection and usage analytics, with triggers for updates or recalibration.
  
• Collaborate with software engineers and DevOps teams to ensure seamless integration of AI services into broader platform architecture.
  
  

What you must have:

• Bachelor's degree (e.g., Computer Science, Data Engineering, AI/ML, or related discipline).
  
• 3+ years of experience in AI/ML operations, AI automation, or integrating AI capabilities into production systems.
  
• 3+ years of experience working with Natural Language Processing tools, APIs, or frameworks (spaCy, Hugging Face Transformers, OpenAI API, Azure OpenAI).
  
• 2+ years of experience with Large Language Models (Generative AI) and their application in real-world software solutions.
  
• 2+ years building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines (e.g., GitHub Actions, Jenkins, Azure DevOps, GitLab CI).
  
• 3+ years of experience in Python for integrating and orchestrating AI services; familiarity with MLflow, Kubeflow, or similar frameworks a plus.
  
• 3+ years of experience in cloud-native ML/AI platforms (AWS SageMaker, Azure ML, GCP Vertex AI) and containerization/orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes).
  
• US Citizen or Permanent Lawful Resident (Green Card Holder) preferred.
  
• Employment must be compliant with eligibility for Public Trust Clearance due to Government Contract.
  

Technologies you'll use:

• Programming & AI: Python, R, TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, Hugging Face, spaCy
  
• MLOps/Automation: MLflow, Kubeflow, Airflow, Prefect
  
• Cloud AI Services: AWS SageMaker, Azure ML, Azure OpenAI, GCP Vertex AI, OpenAI API
  
• DevOps: Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, Jenkins, GitHub Actions
  
• Data Engineering: SQL, Spark, Databricks, Kafka
  
• Collaboration: Confluence, Jira, SharePoint, Mural/Miro
  

What we'd like you to have:

• Experience implementing AI model governance and compliance frameworks in production.
  
• Knowledge of data versioning (DVC, Delta Lake) and feature store concepts.
  
• Familiarity with AI service cost optimization and performance tuning strategies.
  
• Strong understanding of monitoring, alerting, and logging for AI-enabled applications.
  
• Ability to translate complex AI capabilities into user-friendly, maintainable, and secure system features.
  
• Experience with Agile development and iterative delivery cycles.
  

Why you'll love working here:

• Generous vacation and retirement plans
  
• Comprehensive health benefits
  
• Flexible work environment
  
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
  
• Inclusive and collaborative culture
  
• Meaningful work that impacts communities
  

Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we're not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer . Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy to assist . All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Read more about workplacediscriminationrigh t s or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted . This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com . We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is :
$66,701.00 - $113,391.00

Puerto Rico Remote Office (PR99)