AI Researcher Jobs in District of Columbia
AI Researcher jobs in District of Columbia are concentrated in Washington D.C., where federal agencies, defense contractors, and policy-focused research institutions collectively make this one of the most active markets in the country for the role. Organizations like MITRE, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Georgetown University have a lasting presence here and consistently hire ai researchers across natural language processing, computer vision, and national security AI applications. Openings range from early-career research associate positions to senior principal scientist roles. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find AI Researcher JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 114+ AI Researcher jobs
ECS is seeking a AI Program Analyst to work in our Washington, DC office.
We are seeking a highly motivated AI Program Analyst to support work with a U.S. Government agency on a program designed to implement standard information technology solutions at overseas aid-recipients. The Program Analyst will deliver AI guidance and technical assistance across multiple overseas entities under U.S. Government agency oversight.
The AI Program Analyst will work at offices located in Washington, D.C. and will also travel overseas to aid-recipient agencies. International travel will be approximately (20–30%) to support implementation and stakeholder engagement.
The AI Program Analyst will be responsible for:
- Assessing AI needs and opportunities for overseas partner agencies;
- Developing recommendations, implementation roadmaps and strategic guidance based on findings;
- Maturing the AI posture for overseas partner agencies;
- Identifying and prioritizing high-value AI applications aligned with organizational objectives;
- Developing an AI governance framework, policies, standards and operating procedures for responsible use;
- Establishing guidelines and ensuring adherence to privacy, security, and ethical AI principles.
- Delivering AI awareness workshops, training, toolkits, and guidance for staff at overseas partner agencies and local stakeholders;
- Coordinating with U.S. Government agency and overseas partners to ensure alignment and knowledge sharing across countries; and
- Traveling 20-30% of engagement to partner agencies in the developing world.
Salary Range: $125,000-$150,000
General Description of Benefits
Requirements:- Must hold a minimum of a Public Trust
- Degree in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
- Minimum 7 years of relevant professional experience in AI, data systems or equivalent.
- Demonstrated experience supporting digital or data initiatives, preferably in international development contexts.
- Familiarity with data governance, policy, privacy, and responsible AI practices.
- Availability and willingness to travel to developing countries overseas.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Change management and stakeholder engagement.
Req Benefits:
See All 114+ AI Researcher Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find AI Researcher JobsAI Researcher Jobs by City in District of Columbia
Where District of Columbia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
AI Researcher Job Market in District of Columbia
A snapshot from current District of Columbia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Booz Allen Hamilton13
- Humana5
- The Carlyle5
- CVS Health4
- SAIC3
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software9
- Consulting & Professional Services9
- Healthcare & Medical Services6
- Investment & Asset Management5
- Artificial Intelligence4
What District of Columbia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in AI researcher jobs across District of Columbia.
- Master's or PhD in computer science, machine learning, or a related quantitative field
- Demonstrated research experience in machine learning, deep learning, or reinforcement learning
- Active or obtainable U.S. security clearance, often required by federal contractors in D.C.
- Proficiency in Python and standard ML frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch
- Published research or technical reports demonstrating independent research contributions
- Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams on applied AI or policy-driven research projects
AI Researcher Jobs in District of Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a ai researcher in District of Columbia?
Becoming an ai researcher in D.C. typically requires at minimum a master's degree in computer science, artificial intelligence, or a closely related field, with most federal agency and contractor roles preferring a PhD. Because a significant share of D.C. employers are federal contractors, obtaining or being eligible for a security clearance is often a practical requirement alongside academic credentials. No state-issued license applies to this role in the District.
How much do AI researchers make in District of Columbia?
AI researchers in District of Columbia earn a median of about $144,190 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $100,010 for the lowest 10% to over $196,640 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire ai researchers in District of Columbia?
Employers hiring ai researchers in District of Columbia right now include Booz Allen Hamilton, Humana, and The Carlyle, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. The D.C. market is particularly deep in defense-adjacent and policy-focused AI research, so federal contractors and think tanks account for a large share of consistent hiring activity here.
Which District of Columbia cities have the most ai researcher jobs?
The cities with the most ai researcher openings in District of Columbia are Washington and Pentagon. Washington D.C. itself dominates the distribution because of the dense concentration of federal agencies, defense contractors, and university research centers, while nearby areas in the metro reflect the footprint of large contractor campuses that frequently post research positions.
Are there remote ai researcher jobs in District of Columbia?
Yes, and more than many fields. About 61% of ai researcher openings tied to District of Columbia are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting how much of the work involves modeling, analysis, and writing that can be done independently. Roles requiring access to classified systems or secure facilities are the most likely to remain fully on-site.
How can I get hired as a ai researcher in District of Columbia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a research assistantship or graduate research appointment at D.C.-area universities such as Georgetown, George Washington, or Howard, which frequently place students directly into federal agency partnerships and contractor pipelines. Candidates without a graduate degree can pursue junior data scientist or machine learning engineer roles at mid-size contractors as a lateral entry point, building a portfolio of reproducible research projects or Kaggle contributions that demonstrate applied skills while pursuing further credentials.
Where can I find and apply to ai researcher jobs in District of Columbia?
You can find and apply to ai researcher jobs in District of Columbia on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings in the District. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your background and interests, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 114+ AI Researcher Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find AI Researcher Jobs