AI Subject Matter Expert

Job Summary

We are seeking an AI Subject Matter Expert to support a federal AI strategy, governance, and operations engagement within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare ecosystem. In this role, you will advise on the responsible development, deployment, and lifecycle management of AI tools across VA healthcare operations, helping shape enterprise-wide AI strategy and governance frameworks that directly impact Veteran care. You will collaborate with VA stakeholders, program offices, and multidisciplinary teams to translate complex AI concepts into actionable policies, processes, and operational guidance. The ideal candidate is a technically grounded AI practitioner who is equally comfortable engaging with senior leaders on strategic vision and with operational teams on practical implementation challenges. You thrive in ambiguous, fast-moving federal environments and bring a mission-driven approach to ensuring AI is adopted safely, ethically, and effectively.

Primary Responsibilities

Serve as a technical AI subject matter expert, advising VA leadership and program stakeholders on the application of AI tools within healthcare operations, including clinical, administrative, and business process use cases. Support the development and refinement of enterprise AI governance frameworks, including policies, standards, and playbooks that align with VA directives, federal AI guidance (e.g., EO 14110, OMB M-24-10), and responsible AI principles. Assess and communicate AI risks and corresponding mitigations, including issues related to bias, explainability, data privacy, model drift, and patient safety within a healthcare delivery context. Advise on AI product lifecycle management practices, including requirements definition, vendor evaluation, pilot design, performance monitoring, and decommissioning considerations for AI-enabled tools. Conduct landscape analyses and environmental scans of emerging AI technologies, vendor capabilities, and federal/industry best practices to inform VA's strategic AI roadmap and investment decisions. Develop and deliver briefings, white papers, decision memos, and other written products that communicate AI strategy and governance recommendations to technical and non-technical audiences, including senior VA executives and contracting officers.

Minimum Qualifications

Demonstrated hands-on experience developing, deploying, or applying AI/ML tools in an operational or enterprise setting; experience in healthcare operations contexts strongly aligns with program needs. No minimum education requirement specified; equivalent professional experience, certifications, or demonstrated applied expertise in artificial intelligence, data science, or a related technical domain is accepted in lieu of a degree. Prior experience supporting federal agency clients, healthcare organizations, or government-adjacent programs; familiarity with VA systems, culture, and mission is a strong differentiator. Ability to obtain and maintain a VA Personal Identity Verification (PIV) credential and pass a VA background investigation (Tier 1 / MBI or higher as required by the program); must be able to operate within VA network and data environments. Must be authorized to work in the United States; this position may be subject to federal contractor employment eligibility verification (E-Verify). Familiarity with common AI risk frameworks (e.g., NIST AI RMF, FDA AI/ML SaMD guidance) and enterprise AI strategy considerations, including organizational change management associated with AI tool adoption.

Desired Qualifications

1. Experience supporting AI governance or responsible AI initiatives within a federal health agency (VA, DoD, HHS, CMS, or equivalent).

2. Working knowledge of VA-specific AI and data programs, such as the VA National Artificial Intelligence Institute (NAII), VHA Diffusion Ecosystem, or VA's AI Strategy.

3. Familiarity with healthcare regulatory and compliance considerations relevant to AI, including HIPAA, 38 U.S.C., and FDA Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) frameworks.

4. Experience facilitating organizational change management and stakeholder engagement efforts tied to enterprise AI adoption or digital transformation initiatives.

5. Exposure to procuring or evaluating AI vendor solutions in a federal acquisition context, including familiarity with FAR/DFARS considerations and AI-related contract requirements.

About Aptive

About Aptive. Aptive partners with federal agencies to achieve their missions through improved performance, streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, we support more than a dozen agencies including Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation. We specialize in applying technology, creativity and human-centered services to optimize mission delivery and improve experiences for millions of people who count on government services every day. Founded: 2012. Employees: 300+ nationwide.

EEO Statement

Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected class. Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active-duty service members are highly encouraged to apply. About Aptive: Aptive partners with federal agencies to achieve their missions through improved performance, streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, we support more than a dozen agencies including Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation. We specialize in applying technology, creativity and human-centered services to optimize mission delivery and improve experiences for millions of people who count on government services every day. Founded: 2012. Employees: 300+ nationwide.