AI/ML Research Scientist - Agentic Systems

Peraton; Bowie (MD); On-site; USD 104,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

Peraton Labs is seeking AI/ML Research Scientists to support FAA BNATCS programs. Work with Agentic AI teams to build prototypes, analyze data, and deliver mission-ready software.

You will design, test, and refine AI-enabled applications, integrating LLMs and API services to create practical capabilities. You should have 5+ years (BS), 3+ years (MS), or demonstrable AI/ML PhD-level work, strong Python, and experience with C/C++/JS.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of relevant AI/ML experience, Master's with 3+ years, or PhD with applied AI/ML work.
• Strong software development experience with Python.
• Experience with C, C++, or JavaScript.
• AI/ML experience via professional work, research prototypes, or delivered projects.
• Experience with LLMs at API level.
• Familiarity with agentic AI concepts and autonomous workflows.
• US Citizenship with ability to obtain FAA Public Trust suitability.
• Must be local to on-site locations: Annapolis Junction, MD; Bowie, MD; or Herndon, VA.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and refine AI/ML-enabled applications and components for Digital Command Center objectives.
• Conduct analysis, experimentation, and coding supporting agentic AI workflows and products.
• Build software using Python and other languages as required by the mission.
• Integrate LLMs and API-based AI services into usable tools and workflows.
• Collaborate with internal Labs teams to move ideas from prototype to practical capability.
• Contribute across the stack including data processing, backend logic, orchestration, and user-facing features.
• Evaluate emerging tools and approaches relevant to AI-enabled mission systems.
• Support a team culture grounded in learning agility, openness to feedback, and collaboration.

Skills

Analytical problem-solving

Strong programming skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

Python

C

C++

JavaScript

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Kubernetes

Terraform

Job description

AI/ML Research Scientist - Agentic Systems

Job Locations: US-VA-Herndon | US-MD-Bowie | US-MD-Annapolis Junction

Responsibilities

Peraton Labs is seeking AI/ML Research Scientists to support the development of AI-enabled products and technical capabilities for the FAA BNATCS Program. You will work closely with Labs internal Agentic AI teams in support of the Program CTO to perform analysis, build software, develop prototypes, and contribute to mission‑relevant solutions. Successful candidates will combine strong software engineering and AI/ML skills with curiosity, adaptability, and a collaborative mindset.

Within this role you will help build the next generation of AI-enabled mission capabilities in a hands‑on environment where strong ideas, adaptability, and engineering execution matter. This is an opportunity to work on meaningful problems alongside high‑caliber teams developing real products.

Key responsibilities may include:

• Design, develop, test, and refine AI/ML-enabled applications and components supporting Digital Command Center objectives
• Conduct analysis, experimentation, and coding in support of agentic AI workflows and technical products
• Build software using Python and other languages as required by the mission and technical environment
• Integrate LLMs and API‑based AI services into usable tools and workflows
• Collaborate with internal Labs teams to move ideas from prototype to practical capability
• Contribute across the stack as needed, including data processing, backend logic, orchestration, and user‑facing features
• Evaluate emerging tools, frameworks, and technical approaches relevant to AI‑enabled mission systems
• Support a team culture grounded in learning agility, openness to feedback, and strong collaboration

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of relevant experience, Master's with 3+ years, or PhD with demonstrable applied AI/ML experience
• Strong software development experience with expertise in Python
• Experience with one or more additional programming languages such as C, C++, or JavaScript
• Demonstrated AI/ML experience through a record of professional work, research prototypes, or delivered technical projects
• Experience working with LLMs at the API level
• Familiarity with agentic AI concepts, autonomous workflows, or intelligent orchestration patterns
• Strong analytical problem‑solving skills and ability to work in an evolving technical environment
• US Citizenship with ability to obtain/maintain an FAA Public Trust suitability
• Must be local to and able to commute to one of our on‑site locations: Annapolis Junction, MD; Bowie, MD; or Herndon, VA

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with ML libraries and frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow
• Familiarity with Anthropic Model Context Protocol (MCP)
• Experience with infrastructure/orchestration tooling such as Kubernetes and Terraform
• Understanding of networking fundamentals and the OSI stack
• Experience with full‑stack development or end‑user product development
• Background in applied research, rapid prototyping, or mission‑oriented software development

Target Salary Range

$104,000 - $166,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

EEO

EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.