Amentum names inaugural chief AI architect

Chantilly-based government contractor Amentum has created a new leadership role focused on integrating artificial intelligence across the company, naming AI expert Sam Nazari to the position.

As Amentum’s chief AI architect, Nazari will lead efforts to integrate AI across the company, working with program teams supporting defense, intelligence, energy, space and commercial customers.

“Advancements in artificial intelligence are revolutionizing how mission objectives are achieved, enabling unprecedented levels of enterprise efficiency, precision and scalability, ” Amentum Chief Technology Officer Jill Bruning said in a statement. “With Sam’s unique expertise, he will strategically drive results-focused AI solutions that empower our customers to tackle their most complex challenges — ultimately advancing the world’s most critical missions.”

The role includes both building AI capabilities for customers and using AI to automate internal operations. Nazari will also ensure all AI deployments meet Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and client compliance standards.

According to a news release, Nazari previously led AI initiatives at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Department of Defense’s research and development agency, while at the company. Before joining Amentum, he held roles at Scientific Systems Co. and Systems & Technology Research, working on AI and machine learning advancements for the DOD.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Nazari has a master’s degree and a doctorate in electrical engineering from Northeastern University.

With $14.4 billion in fiscal 2025 revenue, Amentum has about 50,000 employees in more than 70 countries across all continents. The company was founded as a spinoff of AECOM’s Management Services Group in 2020 and moved its headquarters from Germantown, Maryland, to Chantilly in 2023.