AI​/ML Research Engineer

Synaptic AI Research focuses on developing advanced AI architectures designed to ensure value alignment and long-term coherence. Through the integration of the Synaptic Cortex orchestration platform and the Virtus agent framework, the company creates AI systems rooted in immutable principles, self-modeling, and causal reasoning. These systems are built for reliability and trustworthiness, especially in high-stakes applications. Synaptic AI Research is committed to pioneering innovations that reshape the future of artificial intelligence.

Location:

Houston, Texas

Compensation: $185,000 annualized (1099) + 3% equity (standard 4-year vesting schedule with 1-year cliff and acceleration on change of control)

We are seeking a Senior AI/ML Research Engineer to play a critical role in the development of Virtus ITA², an advanced causal reasoning and threat-aware autonomy system for contested environments. This is a high-impact opportunity to help build next-generation autonomous decision engines for Air Force Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) and Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP).

• Design, implement, and optimize machine learning components for dynamic WEZ modeling, risk-utility evaluation, and coherence-gated decision making.
• Develop and integrate causal inference and counterfactual reasoning modules within the Virtus core.
• Work with multi-modal embeddings and RAG systems for real-time threat assessment.
• Contribute to model quantization, optimization, and deployment on edge hardware (NVIDIA IGX Thor / Jetson platforms).
• Collaborate with the team on performance profiling and iterative refinement.

• MS or PhD in Computer Science, AI/ML, or related field.
• 6+ years of applied AI/ML experience, with strong focus on deep learning and probabilistic modeling.
• Proficiency in PyTorch or Tensor Flow.
• Experience with causal inference, uncertainty quantification, or reinforcement learning.
• Strong software engineering skills (Python, C++).

• Experience with aerospace or defense applications (AFSIM, NGTS, or similar).
• Background in multi-agent systems or real-time autonomy.
• Prior work on edge deployment and model optimization.
• Active security clearance or eligibility.

To be eligible for this role, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. person as defined by ITAR §120.16 (a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

Non-U.S. persons (including Foreign Nationals, Dual Citizens, and Green Card holders who do not meet protected individual criteria) are not eligible for this position due to the requirement to access and work with ITAR-controlled technical data.

All applicants will be required to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or U.S. person status prior to employment. Synaptic AI Research maintains strict compliance with all applicable export control laws and regulations.