AI Foundations - Research Software Engineer

Introduction

At IBM Research, we are the innovation engine of IBM. Exploring what’s next in computing and shaping the technologies the world will rely on tomorrow. From advancing AI and hybrid cloud to pioneering practical quantum computing, we anticipate challenges and unlock new opportunities for clients, partners, and society. Working in Research means joining a team that accelerates discovery at the intersection of high‑performance computing, AI, quantum, and cloud.

You’ll collaborate with leading scientists, engineers, and visionaries to push boundaries and turn ideas into reality. With a culture built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, IBM Research offers the opportunity to grow your career while contributing to breakthroughs that transform industries and change the world.

IBM Research is seeking an innovative and driven Research Engineer to push the boundaries of Artificial Intelligence. In this role, you will be at the forefront of natural language processing (NLP), deep learning, and foundation model development. You will bridge the gap between cutting‑edge theoretical research and practical application by building, training, and analyzing large language models (LLMs). This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of AI interpretability, collaborate with world‑class scientists and academic partners, and publish groundbreaking findings at top‑tier industry venues.

If you are passionate about rapidly prototyping AI‑driven solutions and scaling complex data pipelines, we invite you to join our team.

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree

• Deep expertise in natural language processing (NLP), deep learning, and foundation model development.
• Hands‑on experience designing, training, and working with Transformer architectures and Large Language Models (LLMs).
• Strong programming proficiency in Python and deep learning frameworks, specifically PyTorch.
• Demonstrated ability to rapidly prototype, build, and iterate on AI‑driven solutions.

• Experience with or a strong understanding of mechanistic interpretability for AI models.
• Proficiency in systems programming languages, particularly Rust or C++.
• Proven experience designing, building, and managing large‑scale data pipelines.
• Background in developing interactive analytical or visualization tools for comprehensive model analysis.

• Healthcare benefits including medical & prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and mental health & well‑being.
• Financial programs such as 401(k), cash balance pension plan, the IBM Employee Stock Purchase Plan, financial counseling, life insurance, short & long‑term disability coverage, and opportunities for performance‑based salary incentive programs.
• Generous paid time off including 12 holidays, minimum 56 hours sick time, 120 hours vacation, 12 weeks parental bonding leave in accordance with IBM Policy, and other Paid Care Leave programs. IBM also offers paid family leave benefits to eligible employees where required by applicable law.
• Training and educational resources on our personalized, AI‑driven learning platform where IBMers can grow skills and obtain industry‑recognized certifications to achieve their career goals.
• Diverse and inclusive employee resource groups, giving & volunteer opportunities, and discounts on retail products, services & experiences.
• We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable law.

IBM is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, or other characteristics protected by the applicable law. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.

IBM will not be providing visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future. Therefore, in order to be considered for this position, you must have the ability to work without a need for current or future visa sponsorship.

The compensation range and benefits for this position are based on a full‑time schedule for a full calendar year. The salary will vary depending on your job‑related skills, experience and location. Pay increment and frequency of pay will be in accordance with employment classification and applicable laws. For part‑time roles, your compensation and benefits will be adjusted to reflect your hours.

Benefits may be pro‑rated for those who start working during the calendar year.