AI Innovation Fellow

Job description

Job Summary ClearPath is seeking an AI Innovation Fellow to help accelerate the adoption of AI and emerging technologies across the federal government at a pivotal moment for American energy, infrastructure, and technological leadership. This role will be housed at ClearPath and work in close partnership in the federal government. This position will ensure the efficient use and rapid scaling of AI both internally and in partnership with the federal government including federal agencies and steering committees like the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (Permitting Council). The Fellow will operate at the forefront of bipartisan action—helping scope, design, build, and deploy technology-driven AI systems that streamline, modernize, and improve processes and create efficiencies. This is a hands-on, builder role for a technology-forward problem solver with high standards, urgency, and a bias toward action. You will help establish systems from the ground up, working with external consultants, technologists, and federal partners to bring AI-enabled solutions and tools into government processes that directly impact America’s energy future. This position is part of the ClearPath Conservative Leadership Program (CCLP) , a highly selective leadership accelerator that places mission-driven professionals in high-impact roles in government to gain hands-on experience at the center of federal policy. In this fellowship role you will be expected to pursue educational placement opportunities in the Administration to broaden your portfolio and capabilities. This is a one-year, full-time placement with the possibility of mutual renewal based on performance, organizational needs, and shared interest. Job Description Design and build AI technology-enabled systems to modernize and streamline federal processes, with a focus on speed, accountability, and real-world outcomes. Serve as a trusted advisor on AI and how it can modernize and improve data systems and processes working closely with federal officials and Administration partners. Lead the development, scoping, testing, deployment, and optimization of AI-driven and data-enabled tools to improve efficiencies, timelines and transparency. Partner with external consultants, technologists, and private-sector firms to design and implement modern solutions. Translate the Administration AI vision into operational systems and executable projects. Apply strong project management discipline to fast-moving initiatives, setting milestones, managing deliverables, and maintaining high-quality standards. Think independently and creatively to identify new technology forward approaches to challenges. Willingness to provide technical guidance and consult on other AI-driven and technology-enabled initiatives across ClearPath, as needed. Operate effectively both autonomously and in collaborative, cross-functional environments. Capabilities Analytical Thinking – able to grasp the underlying concepts in complex information, identify root causes of problems, and formulate solutions based on a synthesis of information. Information Seeking – driven by an underlying curiosity and desire to know more about things, people, or issues. Creativity and Innovation – tend toward divergent thinking and the propensity to question existing practices; challenge commonly held assumptions; originate new or radical alternatives to traditional methods, processes, and products; and build on others’ ideas. Learning Agility – discern patterns in data, recognize relationships between concepts, and rapidly apply learning from one context to solve analogous problems in different contexts. Quality Focus – ensure that all work in one’s own area of the business, throughout the organization, by vendors, suppliers, etc. is performed with excellence and to high standards for quality and integrity. Initiating Action – be self-starter and to take a lead role in improving or enhancing a product or service, avoiding problems, or developing entrepreneurial opportunities. Demonstrate a positive attitude toward getting things done and seek out additional responsibilities that may go beyond the scope of their formal job description. Time Management – focus on completing all work tasks in a timely manner while remaining responsive enough to react to competing demands and shifting priorities. Candidate Requirements Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required. 2–4 years of relevant professional experience, with increasing responsibility, in technology development, digital transformation, project management, or a related field. Experience in startup, government, policy, or fast-paced mission-driven environments is strongly valued. Demonstrated experience working with modern technology systems, including exposure to artificial intelligence (AI) tools, data platforms, or software-enabled solutions; hands-on experience building or configuring systems is preferred. Proven ability to lead projects end-to-end, from defining scope and requirements to testing, deployment, and continuous improvement. Experience building systems or processes from the ground up, particularly in complex or regulated environments. Strong execution mindset with high standards, attention to detail, and follow-through. Ability to operate with significant autonomy, exercise sound judgment, and move work forward with urgency. Comfortable working in a fast-paced, results-driven environment. Willingness and ability to work in person, Monday through Friday, in Washington, DC. A professional and personal commitment to ClearPath’s mission and values. Preferred Qualifications Experience working on Capitol Hill, within the Executive Branch, or in a federal agency. Background or strong interest in energy policy, infrastructure development, or federal permitting. Mission-driven mindset aligned with ClearPath’s commitment to American energy innovation. Experience navigating bipartisan, cross-agency, or multi-stakeholder environments. Compensation + Benefits Competitive salary commensurate with experience Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance Retirement Benefit offering an employer matching contribution of employee contributions $1 for $1 on the first 5% of pay contributed At ClearPath, we value a diverse and inclusive workforce. We believe our team is the key to making an impact and fulfilling our mission. ClearPath is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. About ClearPath, Inc ClearPath’s mission is to accelerate American innovation to reduce global energy emissions. To advance that mission, we develop cutting-edge policy solutions on clean energy and industrial innovation. An entrepreneurial, strategic nonprofit, ClearPath (501(c)(3)) collaborates with public and private sector stakeholders on innovations in nuclear energy, geothermal, hydropower, natural gas, energy storage, critical minerals, carbon capture and heavy industry to enable private-sector deployment of critical technologies. Started in 2014 by entrepreneur Jay Faison, ClearPath is a conservative energy advocacy organization that engages in the direct education of policymakers within Congress, the White House, Executive Agencies with energy and environmental jurisdiction, and regulators. ClearPath team members believe in small government, free markets, and American entrepreneurship. Those principles form the basis for how the team analyzes proposed clean energy and climate policy. ClearPath Values: Teamwork: We empower each other to accomplish our shared mission. Purpose: We believe the principles of limited government, free markets, and fiscal responsibility are essential to achieving our mission. Ownership: We empower teammates to visibly own and achieve goals. Adaptability: We are open to new, complex ideas and test our assumptions to lead change and advance our mission. Curiosity: We have a proactive desire to learn, grow, and improve ourselves, our ideas, and our mission in a thoughtful and focused way. Credibility: We agree that being trustworthy and believable is everything for building and maintaining influence.