ML and Optimization Engineer

Posting Title

ML and Optimization Engineer

CO - Golden

Limited Term (Fixed Term)

40

We are seeking an accomplished software engineer with experience in AI, optimization, applied mathematics, and high‑performance computing. In the Computational Science Center (CSC), you will design, develop, and rigorously test software applications and components, utilizing best practices and cutting‑edge technologies to support NLR’s mission‑critical research projects. You will work across the full research‑to‑implementation stack, including designing and evaluating AI models, translating findings into production‑ready systems, and occasionally diving into the quantitative underpinnings that make intelligent systems behave reliably in constrained, real‑world settings.

Candidates are expected to reason across both AI/ML and optimization, possess strong software engineering fundamentals, and be comfortable with modern AI/ML such as deep learning, probabilistic modeling, large‑scale inference, foundation models, and applied AI in a specific domain. On the optimization side, you should be able to formulate and reason about constrained optimization problems.

Design, develop, and rigorously test software applications and components, utilizing best practices and cutting‑edge technologies to support NLR’s mission‑critical research projects.

• Relevant Bachelor's Degree and 5 or more years of experience or equivalent education/experience.
• Relevant Master's Degree and 3 or more years of experience or equivalent education/experience.
• Relevant PhD or equivalent education/experience.
• Complete understanding and wide application of principles, concepts and techniques in the specific field.
• General knowledge of related information systems disciplines.
• Strong leadership and project management skills.
• Skilled in analytical techniques, practices and problem solving.
• Advanced programming, design and analysis abilities with various computer software programs and information systems.
• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

• Demonstrated experience with PyTorch and Tensor Flow.
• Demonstrated experience writing clean, efficient, and maintainable code, adhering to coding standards and guidelines.
• Demonstrated experience designing, developing, and testing software applications and components using best practices and modern technologies.
• Demonstrated knowledge in Python and at least one other major programming language, such as JavaScript/Type Script, Java, or C/C++.
• Ability to communicate complex technical documentation of software architecture, design decisions, and technical specifications with precision and clarity, providing valuable insights for team collaboration and future reference.
• Effective communication skills to participate in code reviews, provide constructive feedback to ensure code quality and consistency across the team.
• Openness to alternative methods and willingness to adjust plans as circumstances evolve.
• Works effectively with others toward a common goal, valuing differing perspectives and contributions.
• Demonstrated experience in a research lab environment including technical publication experience, experience in writing proposals, ability to context shift and be able to support multiple projects at once, experience supporting junior‑level researchers and developers.

• First‑author publication(s).
• Open‑source software release(s).
• Ability to obtain a clearance.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Pension benefits*
• 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*
• Sick leave (where required by law).

All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation.

NLR is committed to maintaining a drug‑free workplace in accordance with federal and state laws. All employees must pass a pre‑employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by…