AI/ML Computer Science Research and Development Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 122,000 - 231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount (75%)

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a highly motivated researcher to join the Applied Research Laboratory\u2019s Comprehensive Software Solutions department. The role focuses on AI/ML, DL, and Generative AI with emphasis on adversarial, safe, and agentic AI, collaborating across disciplines to translate research into deployable capabilities.

The candidate will publish, design, prototype, and evaluate mission-focused AI solutions, benefiting internal ARL needs and sponsor projects, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor\'s Degree in Engineering or Science.
• 5+ years of relevant experience for Advanced Professional or 14+ years for Senior level.
• Experience with AI/ML model development and evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced research in AI/ML, software engineering, computational systems, or related fields.
• Develop novel methods, models, and technologies addressing AI challenges for sponsors.
• Communicate results through reports, publications, and presentations to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to design, prototype, and evaluate mission-focused solutions.
• Integrate AI/ML models into software systems or prototypes.
• Maintain reproducible experiments and documentation.

Skills

Machine learning

Reinforcement learning

Python

GPU acceleration

Version control

Communication

Research publications

Education

Bachelor\'s Degree in Engineering or Science

Master’s or Doctorate degree

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

JAX

Python

NumPy

Pandas

SciPy

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to join our Comprehensive Software Solutions (CSS) Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. CSS applies a wide variety of software concepts, techniques, and languages to solve challenging problems for ARL’s sponsors as well as internally for ARL’s needs. The ideal candidate will have a strong record of innovative research and a demonstrated ability to transition concepts into impactful technical capabilities especially with respect to Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning (DL) and Generative AI but more specifically in the areas of adversarial, safe, and/or agentic AI. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

• Conduct advanced research in AI/ML, software engineering, computational systems, or related fields
• Develop novel methods, models, and technologies that address emerging challenges with respect to AI relevant to our sponsor base
• Communicate results through technical reports, publications, and presentations to stakeholders, scientists, and/or software engineers both within the laboratory and external sponsors
• Contribute to publications, white papers, technical memos, and/or study plans especially in the field of AI/ML
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to design, prototype, and evaluate mission-focused solutions
• Perform larger tasks individually or as part of a group, and leading tasks

Required skills/experience areas include:

• Strong foundation in machine learning concepts, including supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning
• Hands‑on development of models using frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or JAX
• Proficiency in Python and scientific computing libraries (NumPy, Pandas, SciPy)
• Data preprocessing, feature engineering, and working with structured and unstructured datasets
• Solid understanding of statistics, probability, optimization, and linear algebra
• Design and implemention deep neural networks, including CNNs, RNNs, or Transformer‑based architectures
• Familiarity with training and evaluating models on GPU‑accelerated hardware
• Ability to build reproducible experiments and maintain clear documentation
• Integrating AI/ML models into software systems or prototypes
• Best practices for model validation, benchmarking, and performance tuning
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to formulate research questions into practical ML tasks
• Version control, testing, and modern software engineering practices
• Ability to clearly communicate technical concepts to interdisciplinary teams
• Demonstrated track record of research, publications, or impactful project contributions in AI/ML

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

• Master’s or Doctorate degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Mathematics or a closely related field
• Explainable AI, trustworthy AI, or robust/adversarial ML
• Background working with large‑scale datasets, streaming data, or multimodal sensor data
• Deployment practices (Docker, containerized ML services, ML pipeline tools)
• Applied research environments or mission‑focused systems development
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the TS/SCI level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as R&D Engineer - Software (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

If filled as R&D Engineer - Software (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

Background checks/Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $121,704.00 - $231,000.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land‑grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.