AI Platform Developer VBP

* This position is eligible for a $500 ZelTech Non-Employee Referral fee. Contact ZelTech Recruiters for questions concerning this matter. *

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• This position is contingent upon contract award*

Work Location: Virginia Beach, VA (Onsite or Hybrid depending on department policy).

Job Summary

The City of Virginia Beach is seeking an innovative and highly skilled AI Developer to design, build, and support artificial intelligence platforms and applications that enhance municipal operations and public‑service delivery. This role will help the city responsibly adopt AI technologies, automate workflows, improve data‑driven decision‑making, and support digital transformation initiatives across departments.

The ideal candidate has hands‑on experience with AI/ML development, strong analytical skills, and a commitment to ethical, transparent, and secure use of AI in the public sector.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy AI‑driven applications, models, and automation solutions that support city operations.
• Build and maintain AI platforms, including machine learning pipelines, natural language processing tools, and predictive analytics models.
• Collaborate with city departments to identify opportunities for AI‑enabled improvements in service delivery, efficiency, and citizen engagement.
• Integrate AI solutions with existing enterprise systems, data sources, and cloud platforms.
• Ensure AI systems comply with city policies, cybersecurity standards, and ethical guidelines for responsible AI use.
• Conduct data analysis, feature engineering, and model training using structured and unstructured datasets.
• Monitor model performance, retrain models as needed, and maintain documentation for transparency and auditability.
• Support automation initiatives using AI‑enhanced workflows, chatbots, and decision‑support tools.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and support to staff on AI tools and capabilities.
• Participate in project planning, testing, deployment, and continuous improvement cycles.

Requirements

• Must be a US citizen.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field; OR 6 or more years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
• 3–5+ years of experience in AI/ML development, data engineering, or software development.
• Proficiency with AI/ML frameworks and tools (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit‑learn).
• Experience with Python, SQL, APIs, and cloud‑based AI services.
• Strong understanding of machine learning concepts, data modeling, and algorithm development.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders.
• Familiarity with data governance, security, and responsible AI practices.
• Successful background and drug screening check.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience working in local government, public‑sector IT, or civic‑tech environments.
• Knowledge of municipal operations, public‑service workflows, or government data systems.
• Experience with cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud.
• Familiarity with automation tools, RPA platforms, or AI‑enhanced workflow systems.
• Certifications in AI/ML, cloud technologies, or data engineering.
• Experience developing AI solutions for customer service, predictive maintenance, permitting, public safety, or resource planning.

Core Competencies

• Innovation and Continuous Improvement
• Analytical and Critical Thinking
• Technical Problem Solving
• Communication and Collaboration
• Ethical Conduct and Responsible AI Awareness
• Customer Service and Public‑Service Orientation

Physical Demands Or Work Environment

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The majority of the time is spent in an office setting.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance, vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.

About ZelTech

Founded in 1988 by Ret. Col. Jack L. Ezzell Jr., Zel Technologies is a trusted leader in national security, providing comprehensive research, development, engineering, and operational support to the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and federal agencies. Originally focused on leveraging operational and software expertise to improve time-critical targeting capabilities for the military, the company advanced its capabilities to provide scientific and HUMINT expertise for CBRNE collection and analysis. In the wake of 9/11, Zel Technologies rapidly expanded its capabilities to provide turnkey ISR support services to US Special Operations Forces (SOF), as well as advanced technical & operational intelligence, physical & data science, and engineering support services to the greater Intelligence and SOF Communities supporting global counterterrorism and CWMD operations.

Today, Zel Technologies remains at the forefront of intelligence missions, advancing CWMD and global counterterrorism efforts, while also addressing emerging threats posed by near-peer adversaries. Our team remains committed to delivering adaptive, innovative, and cost-effective solutions across multiple domains, in alignment with the mission priorities of the U.S. Government and its partner nations.

Our Mission

Through our commitment to innovation and quality, our skilled teams deliver robust, technology driven solutions and insights that empower our customers to overcome complex challenges and achieve their mission objectives.

Our Workforce

ZelTech team members represent a wide range of backgrounds, skills, experience, and personalities bound together by common objectives and mutual respect. You will join a caring community of professionals, including many military veterans who challenge and support each other in seeking the right solutions to important matters.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 401k immediate vesting with company match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account with company contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Bonuses for performance
• Voluntary life/accidental death & dismemberment
• Educational assistance and special training programs
• Voluntary benefits (accidental, critical illness, whole life)
• Group life insurance (Company paid)
• Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance (Company paid)
• Paid Time Off (PTO), Holiday Leave, Jury Duty, and Military Leave
• Health and fitness reimbursement
• Referral bonuses
• Employee discounts on various services and products

Equal Opportunities

ZelTech is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, military status, genetic predisposition, or any other basis protected by law.