AI/ML Research Scientist - Agentic Systems

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

Job summary

A leading technology and national security firm is seeking an experienced AI/ML Research Scientist to develop AI-enabled solutions and products. The role involves collaboration, software engineering, and the integration of AI technologies to enhance mission capabilities. Candidates must hold a relevant degree and possess significant experience in AI/ML, particularly using Python. This position is office-based with locations in Annapolis Junction, MD; Bowie, MD; or Herndon, VA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of relevant experience or higher.
• Strong software development experience with Python.
• Experience with additional programming languages such as C, C++, or JavaScript.
• Demonstrated AI/ML experience through professional work or projects.
• Experience working with LLMs at the API level.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop AI/ML applications for mission capabilities.
• Conduct analysis and coding for agentic AI workflows.
• Integrate LLMs and API-based services into tools and workflows.
• Collaborate with teams to bring prototypes to practical capabilities.

Skills

Software development

Python

AI/ML experience

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of relevant experience

Master's degree with 3+ years of experience

PhD with demonstrable applied AI/ML experience

Tools

Python

C

C++

JavaScript

Kubernetes

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Job description

AI/ML Research Scientist - Agentic Systems

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

Requisition ID: 2026-164802
Position Category: Scientific, Research & Analysis
Clearance: Public Trust

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

Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world’s leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the impossible by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we’re keeping people around the world safe and secure.

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

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