Research Engineer – AI​/ML

Description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is actively seeking a highly qualified Research Engineer for the development of advanced AI/ML algorithms for the Intelligence and Defense communities. Application areas include software tool development, physics-based modeling, machine learning, simulation and optimization, probabilistic modeling, computer vision, and intelligent agents. The scientist/engineer will join a multi-disciplinary collaborative team of engineers and scientists.

We are seeking a highly qualified Research Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have an active interest in applying math/statistics/physics/engineering concepts to solve multi-disciplinary problems. The candidate should have strong analytical skills and be capable of translating ideas and proposed solutions into software tools and algorithms, improving, optimizing, and tuning existing algorithms, and developing new algorithms from scratch.

This will include software design, software development, and debugging/issue resolution. The candidate should demonstrate a hands‑on approach to problem solving, must be willing to actively participate in evaluation of algorithm and system performance, and have strong critical thinking, problem‑solving, and debugging skills.

Scientists/engineers who are passionate about applying their expertise to solve problems of national importance, have a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and are seeking opportunities for personal and professional growth in a stable environment are strongly encouraged to apply.

• U.S. Citizenship (No exceptions; green card holders are not eligible)
• The nature of work (i.e. interactions with the intelligence community and DoD programs) requires eligibility to apply for and hold a US security clearance; selected applicants will undergo a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements at the time of employment
• BS in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field with 2-4 years of relevant work experience
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: machine learning, physics-based modeling, simulation and optimization, uncertainty quantification, surrogate modeling and model reduction, computer vision, and intelligent agents.
• Strong foundation in software development and experience with Python, Java, and/or C++.
• Experience going from problem statement to prototype to production‑ready algorithms.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, capable of working effectively in a dynamic, team‑oriented environment.

• PhD or MS in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field
• Experience in cloud‑based, parallel, or distributed computing.
• Experience developing generative AI, agentic AI, and/or LLM‑based systems
• Ability and desire to quickly learn new domains.
• Experience working on intelligence and DoD programs.
• Prior/existing DoD security clearance

Equal Opportunity Employer. Protected Veterans. Individuals with Disabilities.

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