Systems Engineer - AI Research Systems Support

Job Summary

Aptive Resources is seeking a Systems Engineer to support artificial intelligence (AI), research systems, and data modernization initiatives within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Research and Development (ORD). This role supports enterprise AI activities focused on improving research operations, streamlining organizational workflows, supporting strategic AI pilots, and enabling scalable AI capabilities across research, policy, infrastructure, and operational environments.

The Systems Engineer will support development, integration, and optimization of AI-enabled workflows, cloud-based solutions, and research technology initiatives. This role will work closely with project managers, data analysts, operational stakeholders, and technical teams to support rapid testing, workflow improvements, system integrations, and AI-related operational support activities across ORD initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have experience supporting modern data and application environments, technical integrations, cloud-based systems, and AI-enabled workflows in healthcare, research, or enterprise operational environments.

This is a full-time (40 hours/week), 100% remote position.

It is currently funded through September 29, 2026 under the current contract period of performance, with potential for extension into the next option year based on contract continuation and program needs.

Primary Responsibilities

• Support development and implementation of AI-enabled operational and research support solutions across ORD initiatives.
• Assist with integration, optimization, and maintenance of data systems, workflows, and cloud-based platforms supporting AI and analytics activities.
• Support development and testing of retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) workflows and related AI-enabled tools.
• Assist with development of simplified workflows, rapid testing approaches, and deployment activities to improve operational efficiency and development speed.
• Support data ingestion, ETL processes, database integration, and data pipeline activities across enterprise environments.
• Assist with development and maintenance of integrations supporting research operations, analytics, reporting, and AI-enabled tools.
• Coordinate with technical and operational stakeholders to support AI pilot initiatives and enterprise operational priorities.
• Support activities related to centralized AI assets, research infrastructure, and enterprise data environments.
• Participate in troubleshooting, issue resolution, and continuous improvement activities across technical workstreams.
• Prepare technical documentation, workflow documentation, and implementation support materials.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in information systems, computer science, engineering, data science, healthcare