Applied AI Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Applied AI Engineer jobs in Virginia are among the most actively recruited technology roles in the state, concentrated in defense contracting, federal government services, and commercial cloud infrastructure, with openings at every level from associate engineer through principal and staff positions. Northern Virginia, particularly the Tysons and Reston corridors, and Richmond serve as the primary hiring hubs, anchored by major employers like Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, and Amazon Web Services. The most in-demand specialties are machine learning deployment, large language model integration, and AI systems engineering for government and enterprise applications. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 9+ Applied AI Engineer jobs
DESCRIPTION
You will partner closely with Design, Product, Engineering, and Applied Science to ensure customer evidence informs both near-term product decisions and longer-term direction. You will lead tactical and foundational research in ambiguous spaces, apply strong methodological judgment, and translate complex findings into clear recommendations that influence roadmaps, priorities, and customer outcomes.
This role is a strong fit for a researcher who can independently lead complex programs, shape the research approach for a broader problem space, and raise the quality of decision-making through credible, actionable insight.
Key job responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end research programs across a product area, including study design, recruitment, moderation, analysis, synthesis, and communication of findings
- Drive a broad range of research, from rapid evaluative studies to foundational interviews, surveys, diary studies, journey research, and mixed-methods programs
- Partner with senior cross-functional stakeholders to inform product strategy, evaluate concepts and prototypes, and improve live customer experiences
- Define research plans for ambiguous problem spaces and use strong methodological judgment to select the right approach for the decision, product stage, and level of risk
- Help teams reduce ambiguity and de-risk investments by identifying unmet customer needs, product gaps, adoption barriers, and trust issues early
- Translate research findings into clear recommendations that improve usability, adoption, trust, and overall customer experience quality
- Influence roadmaps and prioritization by ensuring customer evidence is visible, credible, and actionable at the right moments
- Build deep domain expertise through ongoing study of customer workflows, prototypes, competitive products, and industry trends
- Mentor junior researchers and contribute to raising the quality, consistency, and impact of research across the team
- Explore thoughtful ways to use AI in the research and product development process where it improves speed, depth, or quality
About the team
The AWS Applied AI Solutions team is at the forefront of AI innovation, designing and building the next generation of intelligent business applications. We work closely with global Product, Engineering, Science, Marketing, and Business Development teams to deliver compelling AI-powered experiences that transform how businesses operate. Our research team plays a critical role in ensuring these AI solutions are not just technically advanced, but truly meet customer needs and drive meaningful business outcomes.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years of proven success leading User Research projects with demonstrated impact experience
- 5+ years of hands-on work with: field research, ethnography, lab-based user testing, remote testing, paper prototype testing, iterative prototype testing, concept testing, and survey design experience
- Bachelor's degree in HCDE, Human Factors, Cognitive Psychology, or a related field
- Experience in leading User Research projects with demonstrated impact
- Experience with field research, ethnography, lab-based user testing, remote testing, paper prototype testing, iterative prototype testing, concept testing, and survey design
- Experience with all aspects of research (study design, recruiting, moderation, analysis, reporting)
- Experience with behavioral data collection, quantitative data analysis, and statistics
- Have a portfolio demonstrating past work experience and deliverables (e.g., study plans, reports, personas)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in Human Factors, HCDE, Cognitive Psychology or equivalent
- Experience in a technical field (software development, network development, IT, other related)
- Experience with UX Research in non-US markets
- Experience working in a highly Agile/Scrum environment
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, CA, Sunnyvale - 167,400.00 - 226,500.00 USD annually
USA, NY, New York - 167,400.00 - 226,500.00 USD annually
USA, VA, Arlington - 152,200.00 - 205,900.00 USD annually
USA, VA, Herndon - 152,200.00 - 205,900.00 USD annually
USA, WA, Seattle - 152,200.00 - 205,900.00 USD annually
DESCRIPTION
You will partner closely with Design, Product, Engineering, and Applied Science to ensure customer evidence informs both near-term product decisions and longer-term direction. You will lead tactical and foundational research in ambiguous spaces, apply strong methodological judgment, and translate complex findings into clear recommendations that influence roadmaps, priorities, and customer outcomes.
This role is a strong fit for a researcher who can independently lead complex programs, shape the research approach for a broader problem space, and raise the quality of decision-making through credible, actionable insight.
Key job responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end research programs across a product area, including study design, recruitment, moderation, analysis, synthesis, and communication of findings
- Drive a broad range of research, from rapid evaluative studies to foundational interviews, surveys, diary studies, journey research, and mixed-methods programs
- Partner with senior cross-functional stakeholders to inform product strategy, evaluate concepts and prototypes, and improve live customer experiences
- Define research plans for ambiguous problem spaces and use strong methodological judgment to select the right approach for the decision, product stage, and level of risk
- Help teams reduce ambiguity and de-risk investments by identifying unmet customer needs, product gaps, adoption barriers, and trust issues early
- Translate research findings into clear recommendations that improve usability, adoption, trust, and overall customer experience quality
- Influence roadmaps and prioritization by ensuring customer evidence is visible, credible, and actionable at the right moments
- Build deep domain expertise through ongoing study of customer workflows, prototypes, competitive products, and industry trends
- Mentor junior researchers and contribute to raising the quality, consistency, and impact of research across the team
- Explore thoughtful ways to use AI in the research and product development process where it improves speed, depth, or quality
About the team
The AWS Applied AI Solutions team is at the forefront of AI innovation, designing and building the next generation of intelligent business applications. We work closely with global Product, Engineering, Science, Marketing, and Business Development teams to deliver compelling AI-powered experiences that transform how businesses operate. Our research team plays a critical role in ensuring these AI solutions are not just technically advanced, but truly meet customer needs and drive meaningful business outcomes.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years of proven success leading User Research projects with demonstrated impact experience
- 5+ years of hands-on work with: field research, ethnography, lab-based user testing, remote testing, paper prototype testing, iterative prototype testing, concept testing, and survey design experience
- Bachelor's degree in HCDE, Human Factors, Cognitive Psychology, or a related field
- Experience in leading User Research projects with demonstrated impact
- Experience with field research, ethnography, lab-based user testing, remote testing, paper prototype testing, iterative prototype testing, concept testing, and survey design
- Experience with all aspects of research (study design, recruiting, moderation, analysis, reporting)
- Experience with behavioral data collection, quantitative data analysis, and statistics
- Have a portfolio demonstrating past work experience and deliverables (e.g., study plans, reports, personas)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in Human Factors, HCDE, Cognitive Psychology or equivalent
- Experience in a technical field (software development, network development, IT, other related)
- Experience with UX Research in non-US markets
- Experience working in a highly Agile/Scrum environment
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, CA, Sunnyvale - 167,400.00 - 226,500.00 USD annually
USA, NY, New York - 167,400.00 - 226,500.00 USD annually
USA, VA, Arlington - 152,200.00 - 205,900.00 USD annually
USA, VA, Herndon - 152,200.00 - 205,900.00 USD annually
USA, WA, Seattle - 152,200.00 - 205,900.00 USD annually
See All 9 Applied AI Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Applied AI Engineer JobsApplied AI Engineer Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Applied AI Engineer Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Distribution & Wholesale
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in applied AI engineer jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, AI, machine learning, or a related engineering field
- Demonstrated experience building and deploying production machine learning or AI systems
- Proficiency in Python and AI frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Hugging Face
- Experience with cloud platforms, particularly AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud AI services
- Active or eligible security clearance preferred for many Virginia defense and federal contractor roles
- Familiarity with MLOps practices, model monitoring, and CI/CD pipelines for AI workloads
Applied AI Engineer Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a applied ai engineer in Virginia?
Applied AI engineering in Virginia has no state-issued license, so the path runs through education and demonstrated technical skill. Most Virginia employers expect at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, or a related field, with a master's degree preferred for senior roles at defense contractors and federal agencies. Building a portfolio of deployed AI projects and earning cloud certifications from AWS or Google strengthens candidacy considerably in Virginia's market.
How much do applied AI engineers make in Virginia?
Applied AI engineers in Virginia earn a median of about $136,460 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $83,350 for the lowest 10% to over $211,930 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire applied ai engineers in Virginia?
Employers hiring applied ai engineers in Virginia right now include Amazon Web Services, Nebius, and Everseen, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Virginia's high concentration of defense contractors and federal IT services firms means many openings are tied to government program work, making it a particularly deep market for applied AI engineering talent.
Which Virginia cities have the most applied ai engineer jobs?
Arlington, Herndon, and McLean have the most applied ai engineer openings in Virginia. Northern Virginia's concentration of defense agencies, cloud infrastructure campuses, and federal contractors drives the majority of demand, while Richmond's growing financial services and technology sector accounts for a meaningful share of commercial AI engineering roles.
Are there remote applied ai engineer jobs in Virginia?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 33% of applied ai engineer openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting how naturally suited the work is to distributed environments. Model development, experimentation, and MLOps work tend to be the most remote-friendly tasks, while roles requiring access to classified systems or secure government facilities require on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a applied ai engineer in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a junior or associate AI engineer role at one of Northern Virginia's large federal IT contractors, where structured onboarding programs exist for candidates coming straight from university. Booz Allen Hamilton and Leidos both run new-graduate technology development programs that place candidates with AI and data science backgrounds onto applied projects. A strong GitHub portfolio demonstrating deployed machine learning projects, combined with an AWS or Google Cloud certification, gives entry-level candidates a practical edge over those relying on coursework alone.
Where can I find and apply to applied ai engineer jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to applied ai engineer jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings. Search the listings for roles that match your experience and specialization, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 9 Applied AI Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Applied AI Engineer Jobs