AI Assurance Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, MD seeks an AI Assurance Engineer to design and execute comprehensive evaluations of generative AI models and agentic systems used in defense and healthcare. You will develop test plans, benchmarks, and risk-based criteria to ensure safety, reliability, and mission readiness.

The role requires collaboration with researchers and engineers, presenting results to sponsors, and supporting deployment decisions in high-stakes environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS, Data Science, AI, ML, Statistics, Cybersecurity, or related field.
• Experience with Python and software development for AI, data analysis, or test automation.
• Familiarity with generative AI models, agentic systems, or ML concepts and the AI threat landscape.
• Knowledge of test and evaluation principles, including developing test cases, defining success criteria, and analyzing results.
• Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by start date and ultimately Top-Secret; US citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute assurance evaluations for generative AI models and agentic systems for defense and healthcare missions.
• Develop test strategies, evaluation plans, test cases, and success criteria to assess AI performance, security, robustness, and mission suitability.
• Apply AI evaluation methods, benchmarks, and test frameworks to identify model limitations, vulnerabilities, and assurance risks.
• Collaborate with AI researchers, engineers, and mission partners to advance AI assurance capabilities and support operational deployment.
• Analyze evaluation results and communicate technical findings, recommendations, and assurance decisions to government sponsors.
• Evaluate AI capabilities in realistic mission environments to enable informed, risk-based deployment decisions.

Skills

Python

AI model evaluation

Test automation

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical field

Master's degree or higher in a related field

Job description

Description

Are you an engineer with hands-on experience evaluating, testing, and assessing AI-enabled systems within the Department of Defense (DoD) or a similar mission-focused environment?

Do you have experience with generative AI models, agentic systems, AI security, and the evolving AI threat landscape? Are you passionate about designing rigorous evaluations and applying benchmarks and test frameworks to assess model performance, safety, robustness, and mission suitability? If you thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and enjoy solving complex technical challenges, we want to hear from you. We are seeking an AI Assurance Engineer to help develop and execute comprehensive evaluations of generative AI models and agentic systems, leveraging state-of-the-art testing methodologies, measurement techniques, and assurance frameworks. You will work across the AI lifecycle to ensure models and agentic systems meet rigorous security, reliability, and operational assurance standards, helping enable the safe and effective adoption of AI for mission-critical applications.

As an AI Assurance Engineer, you will…

• Design and execute assurance evaluations for generative AI models and agentic systems supporting defense and healthcare missions.
• Develop test strategies, evaluation plans, test cases, and success criteria to assess AI performance, security, robustness, and mission suitability.
• Apply AI evaluation methods, benchmarks, and test frameworks to identify model limitations, vulnerabilities, and assurance risks.
• Collaborate with AI researchers, engineers, and mission partners to advance AI assurance capabilities and support operational deployment.
• Analyze evaluation results and communicate technical findings, recommendations, and assurance decisions to government sponsors.
• Evaluate AI capabilities in realistic mission environments to enable informed, risk-based deployment decisions.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have:

• A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Statistics, Cybersecurity, or other relevant technical field.
• Experience with Python and software development for AI, data analysis, or test automation.
• Familiarity with generative AI models, agentic systems, or machine learning concepts and the AI threat landscape.
• Knowledge of test and evaluation principles, including developing test cases, defining success criteria, and analyzing results.
• Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• The ability to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top-Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you have:

• A Master's degree or higher in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Statistics, Cybersecurity, or a related technical field.
• Familiarity with AI risk management frameworks, assurance best practices, and governance principles for deploying trustworthy AI systems.
• Experience evaluating generative AI models or agentic systems using AI benchmarks, test frameworks, or adversarial testing methodologies.
• Experience presenting technical findings, risk assessments, and evaluation results to senior leaders, government sponsors, or other technical and non-technical stakeholders.

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually