AI/ML R&D Engineer — On-Site Research Scientist

The Pennsylvania State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 122,000 - 231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) CSS Department seeks a highly motivated researcher to advance AI/ML, DL, and Generative AI in adversarial and safe systems. This on-site role in State College, PA may require periodic travel to remote locations for testing and sponsor collaborations.

You will conduct advanced AI/ML research, develop novel models with PyTorch/TensorFlow/JAX, document results, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to deploy

Qualifications

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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

Job description

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) CSS Department seeks a highly motivated researcher to advance AI/ML, DL, and Generative AI in adversarial and safe systems. This on-site role in State College, PA may require periodic travel to remote locations for testing and sponsor collaborations.

You will conduct advanced AI/ML research, develop novel models with PyTorch/TensorFlow/JAX, document results, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to deploy