Lead AI Engineer – Cybersecurity Active TS/SCI Clearance Required (Poly preferred) Fort Meade, MD – Hybrid (2-3 days/week onsite) $200,000 – $225,000 Base + Bonus THE COMPANY Harnham is partnering with a well-known government contractor which supports U.S. national security and public-interest missions across cybersecurity, AI, and defense. This role sits within the Trustworthy & Secure AI department, a specialized group focused on advancing adversarial AI, AI assurance, and secure deployment of AI technologies in high-stakes environments. The team works directly with the U.S. government and intelligence agencies, driving innovation in AI-enabled cyber defense and mission-critical systems. RESPONSIBILITIES • Conduct adversarial AI research, including threat modeling, vulnerability analysis, and red teaming of AI systems. • Develop mitigation strategies for adversarial attacks and improve AI system robustness and resilience. • Design and deploy secure AI systems for use in cyber and intelligence environments. • Integrate AI technologies into operational cyber defense systems and mission workflows. • Collaborate directly with U.S. Cyber Command and intelligence stakeholders on AI initiatives and adoption strategies. • Support AI workforce enablement, training, and implementation of secure AI tooling. • Lead cross-functional initiatives across AI, cybersecurity, and mission domains. • Provide technical leadership through mentoring, architecture guidance, and thought leadership contributions. • Present findings through briefings, whitepapers, and technical presentations to government stakeholders. SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE • 8+ years (BS), 6+ years (MS), or 3+ years (PhD) of experience in AI/ML or related fields. • Strong understanding of AI/ML fundamentals and model behavior. • Experience in adversarial AI, AI security, red teaming, or AI evaluation frameworks. • Hands-on experience with AI systems, including generative AI, reinforcement learning, computer vision, or agent-based systems. • Strong background in cybersecurity, cyber operations, or related domains. • Experience collaborating with both technical and operational stakeholders. • Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical concepts into mission impact. • Active TS/SCI clearance required with ability to obtain Full Scope Polygraph. PREFFERED EXPERIENCE • Experience supporting government, defense, or intelligence organizations. • Exposure to offensive or defensive cyber operations. • Experience deploying AI systems into production or mission environments. • Knowledge of AI governance, assurance, and secure deployment frameworks. • Familiarity with intelligence data or operational cyber workflows. • Existing Full Scope Polygraph clearance. BENEFITS The compensation package includes a competitive base salary, annual bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package. HOW TO APPLY Please submit your CV via the Apply link on this page to register your interest. KEY TERMS Adversarial AI | AI Security | Cybersecurity | AI Red Teaming | Machine Learning | Generative AI | Reinforcement Learning | Cyber Operations | Intelligence | Secure AI | National Security | AI Systems | Defense Technology | TS/SCI | Top Secret | Poly | Polygraph