Best AI & ML Consultants in Washington, DC

Washington, DC Area AI & ML Consulting Services

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are reshaping how Washington, D.C. approaches everything from engineering and defense innovation to data security, infrastructure, and sustainability. In the capital of decision-making, technology is no longer a background tool — it’s a strategic driver for federal agencies, consultancies, and start-ups alike.

Washington’s AI scene is unlike any other in the United States. Here, AI consultants aren’t just developers — they’re translators between complex engineering models, policy frameworks, and mission-critical systems. They serve organizations that require precision, compliance, and large-scale impact — from defense contractors and public institutions to biotech innovators and sustainability pioneers.

At Digital Reference, we’ve spent months researching and evaluating top-tier AI and ML consultants across the Washington–Arlington–Alexandria region. Our process draws from our broader framework on AI innovation in engineering and our continued exploration of data-first consulting principles.

We carefully considered:

• Professional track record and technical depth
  
• Industry-specific experience (particularly in engineering, defense, or applied AI)
  
• Community impact and thought leadership
  
• Practical case studies, papers, or open-source contributions
  

Each consultant featured here is deeply tied to Washington’s evolving identity as a center of government innovation — blending technology with policy, infrastructure, and ethics.

Our Methodology: Finding DMV-based ML & AI Consultants

Our Digital Reference methodology combines qualitative expertise mapping with quantitative analysis of public projects, patents, and academic work. We evaluate how consultants apply machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, and automation to real-world use cases — particularly in engineering and defense-adjacent sectors.

We also examine:

• Their ability to communicate complex models clearly
  
• Their collaboration with public agencies and private sector teams
  
• Their reputation in online communities and research circles
  
• Their ability to turn theory into scalable, high-impact results
  

You can learn more about our approach in our About Digital Reference section, where we discuss how we connect data-driven strategy with human expertise.

🌟 Meet Washington’s Best AI & ML Consultants

🟣 Chase Ballardi

AI Consultant at Machine & Partners and Section
LinkedIn

With hands-on experience at Machine & Partners and Section, Chase Ballardi operates where strategic AI consulting meets operational efficiency. Known for his adaptable technical style, Chase focuses on AI integration for engineering teams, helping organizations deploy machine learning models that fit directly into existing pipelines.

💡 Highlights:

🧩 Skilled in AI deployment strategy and MLOps across production systems.

🔍 Deep understanding of AI workflow optimization and cross-team integration.

🛠️ Works with engineering firms on data architecture modernization.

⚙️ Recognized for his clear communication and “translate-to-action” consulting model.

Chase’s ability to work across both technical and business layers makes him a valuable contributor to Washington’s startup and innovation sectors, where AI success depends as much on clarity and usability as it does on raw model power.

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🟣 John Gilleland

Senior Technical Program Manager | AI/ML and Data Engineering at Latent AI
LinkedIn | Latent AI

John Gilleland stands out in Washington’s AI ecosystem for his ability to connect large-scale engineering programs with AI and data-driven decision frameworks. As a Senior Technical Program Manager and Solutions Architect at Latent AI, John helps organizations implement edge AI systems that push the limits of computational efficiency and model adaptability.

💡 Highlights:

🚀 Expert in AI for embedded systems, optimizing machine learning on low-power devices.

🧩 Integrates AI/ML with agile engineering processes for scalable deployment.

🔐 Works at the crossroads of security, performance, and intelligence — a key regional need.

🧠 Thought leader on AI in operational technology, improving automation within industrial and defense sectors.

Washington’s engineering community values John’s technical discipline and pragmatic focus. He’s not just innovating — he’s operationalizing AI within critical systems, an essential capability for D.C.-area firms balancing innovation with compliance and reliability.

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🟣 Noah Rundell

AI Engineer & Data Scientist
LinkedIn | Booz Allen Hamilton

As an AI Engineer and Data Scientist at Booz Allen Hamilton, Noah R. embodies the technical excellence and precision that define Washington’s data science landscape. His work sits at the intersection of applied AI, defense intelligence, and national security, where innovation meets responsibility.

💡 Highlights:

🔍 Develops machine learning pipelines for government and defense projects.

🧮 Skilled in data modeling, statistical analysis, and algorithm optimization.

🧠 Focused on AI model performance in secure and high-stakes environments.

🧰 Deep experience with Python, TensorFlow, and applied ML frameworks.

Noah’s balance of practical engineering and security sensitivity makes him a trusted professional in a field where small optimizations can have massive impact. He represents the kind of quiet, highly technical leadership that keeps Washington’s data-driven institutions at the forefront of global AI practice.

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🟣 Andrea Broaddus

Research Scientist | Data Scientist | Machine Learning & AI | Technical Manager
LinkedIn

Dr. Andrea Broaddus combines urban research expertise with data science and AI methodology, focusing on the intersection of transportation systems, sustainability, and machine learning. Her analytical rigor and engineering sensibility have helped reshape how cities think about data in infrastructure planning.

💡 Highlights:

🚗 Applies machine learning to transportation and mobility analytics.

🧭 Skilled in data-driven decision-making for infrastructure design.

🌍 Focused on sustainable engineering and predictive urban modeling.

📚 Researches AI’s role in climate and policy frameworks.

In Washington, DC’s policy-forward ecosystem, Andrea’s blend of research and application exemplifies the new wave of AI-driven engineering leadership. Her contributions link AI to sustainability — a mission deeply aligned with Digital Reference’s vision for responsible technology.

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🟣 Uma Krishnaswamy

Machine Learning Engineer
LinkedIn | Weights & Biases

Uma Krishnaswamy is a Machine Learning Engineer known for her mastery of ML experimentation, tracking, and optimization — skills that keep engineering organizations at the cutting edge of data science. At Weights & Biases (W&B), Uma contributes to building the infrastructure that powers global AI development, from startups to enterprise labs.

💡 Highlights:

🔬 Expert in ML model management, experimentation, and data visualization.

⚙️ Contributes to the core W&B platform, used by millions of AI developers.

🧠 Specializes in performance tuning and reproducible model training.

📈 Dedicated to open collaboration and cross-functional AI enablement.

Her work connects directly with Washington, DC’s engineering-driven AI community, helping both private and public organizations improve model reliability and auditability — a crucial factor in regulated environments.

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🟣 Paul O’Rorke

CEO, Machine Learning, AI, and Software
LinkedIn | Atom ML

Paul O’Rorke’s expertise in software and AI integration is rooted in decades of practical engineering and system development. Based in the D.C. area, Paul is known for delivering AI-powered software systems that enhance performance, reduce costs, and streamline operations across various industries.

💡 Highlights:

🧩 Builds custom ML systems for enterprise-grade deployment.

⚙️ Focuses on software–AI synergy, improving long-term maintainability.

💬 Collaborates closely with engineering teams to align models with system goals.

🚀 Passionate about applied AI in production environments.

Paul represents the kind of hands-on AI practitioner that keeps Washington, DC’s technology scene practical, reliable, and focused on real results — exactly the balance Digital Reference looks for when identifying impactful consultants.

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🟣 Hussein Mehanna

Founding CEO at Xterra | Building the OpenAI for Earth | Former VP of AI at Meta & Cruise
LinkedIn | Xterra AI

If there’s one name that encapsulates visionary AI leadership in Washington, DC, it’s Hussein Mehanna. As the Founding CEO of Xterra, he’s on a mission to build the “OpenAI for Earth” — applying advanced AI to address environmental challenges. Backed by Khosla Ventures, Xterra combines deep technical innovation with global ecological impact.

Before launching Xterra, Hussein served as VP of AI at Meta and Cruise, where he oversaw large-scale deep learning initiatives that redefined how modern AI powers both digital and physical systems.

💡 Highlights:

🌎 Leads AI innovation for environmental modeling and sustainability.

🧭 Former VP of AI at Meta and Cruise, managing cross-functional ML research.

💡 Recognized for pioneering responsible AI systems with global applications.

🧠 Combines entrepreneurial leadership with scientific depth.

Hussein’s influence extends far beyond Washington, DC— but his decision to base Xterra here underscores the region’s growing role in ethical AI innovation. His trajectory mirrors the area’s transformation into a hub for AI applied to global-scale problems.

The Washington, DC Advantage: AI Meets Engineering

Washington, DC’s AI ecosystem thrives because of its engineering foundation. Many of its most successful consultants come from backgrounds in applied research, system optimization, and public infrastructure, giving them a unique edge.

AI here isn’t about flashy prototypes — it’s about solving hard, grounded problems:

• Making systems faster, safer, and more transparent
  
• Scaling automation within high-security or high-stakes contexts
  
• Bringing machine learning into the physical world of logistics, defense, and energy
  

From federal agencies to private labs, D.C. has become a crossroads of innovation and accountability. It’s where AI engineering meets real-world impact, and consultants like those above make it possible.

For readers interested in how AI shapes specific industries, we recommend exploring AI Consulting for Engineers, another Digital Reference feature that delves into applied AI in design, manufacturing, and operations.

Why Digital Reference Curates This List of AI Experts

At Digital Reference, our mission is to help organizations find trusted, verified AI professionals who deliver measurable outcomes. We don’t just highlight résumés — we showcase impact, integrity, and innovation.

Our team researches each consultant’s public contributions, evaluates their alignment with ethical AI standards, and analyzes how their work has influenced both technical progress and community development.

Washington, D.C. with its engineering depth and policy awareness, reflects our core belief: AI must be transparent, human-centered, and grounded in measurable value.

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If you’re ready to discover how your organization can collaborate with these professionals or explore AI consulting tailored to your industry, connect with us at Digital Reference.

We believe that the future of AI consulting is local, informed, and engineering-driven — and Washington, D.C. is leading the way.