Functional Lead (Hands-on AI Product Development)

About the Role

Day-to-day, the Functional Lead will be responsible for managing project scope, timelines, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring successful delivery of projects. This will involve working closely with technical teams, architects, and QA to ensure alignment between business needs, system design, and implementation. The role will also require facilitating requirements-gathering sessions, developing clear functional and non-functional requirements, and providing functional guidance during solution design.

As a key member of the delivery team, the Functional Lead will be expected to provide thought leadership for product development, solution implementation, and continuous improvement. This will involve staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in AI and IT, and applying this knowledge to drive innovation and improvement.

What You Will Do

• Lead project planning, coordination, and execution across Agile or hybrid delivery methodologies
• Manage project scope, schedules, risks, dependencies, and quality to ensure successful delivery
• Facilitate requirements-gathering sessions and develop clear functional and non-functional requirements, user stories, and acceptance criteria
• Act as the functional expert for a proprietary toolset, advising on capabilities, constraints, and solution feasibility
• Collaborate with technical teams, architects, and QA to ensure alignment between business needs, system design, and implementation
• Provide functional guidance during solution design, recommending approaches that balance usability, performance, and system constraints
• Review and guide development of functional deliverables including process flows, configuration documentation, and design artifacts
• Analyze existing business processes and recommend improvements that drive efficiency and mission success
• Support development of test scenarios, provide guidance throughout testing cycles, and assist with UAT execution
• Support training, deployment planning, and transition-to-operations activities
• Ensure all deliverables and project artifacts comply with Federal standards and quality assurance requirements

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Business Administration, Information Systems, or related field
• 8+ years of experience in IT project delivery roles, including at least 3 years in project management or business analysis within Federal environments
• Experience interacting with AI to support delivery of software modernization projects
• Proven ability to interface with clients and senior stakeholders, facilitating discussions and driving consensus
• Experience with requirements elicitation, process mapping, and functional documentation
• Strong understanding of software delivery methodologies
• Proficiency with project management and collaboration tools
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor communication to both technical and non-technical audiences
• US Citizenship required; must be eligible for a Secret clearance

Nice to Have

• Prior Software Development background
• Prior experience in Federal IT consulting or program delivery
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification
• ITIL or Agile Certification
• Experience supporting modernization or digital transformation initiatives
• Familiarity with Software Development and SaaS platforms in Federal environments
• Knowledge of Federal acquisition, governance, and reporting processes

Benefits and Perks

• Comprehensive medical, dental, & vision insurance that starts the first of the month after joining the team
• 401(k) Plan with immediately vested employer contributions; no matching required
• Opportunities for career growth and professional development
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment
• Flexible working arrangements, including remote work options
• Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools
• Recognition and reward for outstanding performance
• Support for continuing education and training
• A culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion

• Develop a strong understanding of Agile methodologies and their application in AI product development
• Build a portfolio that showcases your ability to lead projects and manage stakeholder engagement
• Focus on developing strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
• Be prepared to discuss your experience with requirements elicitation, process mapping, and functional documentation
• Research the company culture and values, and be prepared to discuss how you align with them
• Consider obtaining certifications such as PMP or CSM to demonstrate your expertise in project management
• Be prepared to provide specific examples of how you have driven innovation and improvement in previous roles