AI Software Engineer (Hybrid Eligible)

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and retirement plans

Flexible work hours

On-site fitness facilities

Employee Assistance Plan

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking an AI Software Engineer to design, develop, and deploy AI/ML tools to enhance business operations and scientific research. This role requires solid skills in Generative AI and Machine Learning, emphasizing collaboration with both technical and classified stakeholders.

The ideal candidate has experience with AI/ML solutions in cloud environments and will work within a flexible hybrid setting focused on innovation and ethical practices.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of AI experience including agent workflows.
• 5 years total relevant AI/ML experience.
• Experience with cloud environments.
• Familiarity with AI/ML tools like Azure and GPT frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Develop AI/ML models using Azure and AWS.
• Collaborate with teams to gather requirements.
• Conduct trend analysis on AI technologies.
• Promote ethical AI use per ORNL guidelines.

Skills

AI/ML development

Microsoft Azure

Python

Data modeling

Education

BS in computer science, data science, or artificial intelligence

Master's degree

Tools

Azure AI services

OpenAI APIs

TensorFlow

Visual Studio

Job description

Overview

Requisition Id 16568
We're hiring an AI Software Engineer who has AI/ML development and deployment skills! The position and its focus are to design, develop and move to production AI/ML tools and analytics that enhance and evolve business operations and scientific decision‑making capability and related activities at ORNL. Qualified applicants will have a solid foundation of Generative AI and Machine Learning skills. This position resides in the AI Operations Program office within the Application Development Division of the Information Technology Services Directorate. Our AI/ML models are heavily centered on Microsoft Azure and related AI cloud technologies with High Performance Computing (HPC) for on premise AI environments and Azure, AWS, and GCP for off premise environments.

Major Duties / Responsibilities

• Development and support of models utilizing AI/ML and Microsoft Azure, Google Vertex AI, AWS Bedrock.
• Collaboration with business and classified business and scientific/technical stakeholders to understand needs and gather detailed actionable requirements at the highest security levels.
• Analysis of emerging trends and technologies to provide recommendations for roadmaps and AI strategy. This includes Generative AI and ML techniques and solution methods. LLM/GPT CI/CD pipelines and diagnostic monitoring for clients or set up for client self‑monitoring.
• Ethical and responsible use of AI in line with ORNL policy and guidelines.
• Collaboration with other DOE labs and private sector companies to understand and mature ORNL capabilities.
• Help us become the Go‑To DOE lab for AI/ML best practices across lab domains.
• Adherence to ORNL and ITSD software quality assurance standards and ITIL effective practices.
• Support of and adherence to ORNL and ITSD project management requirements and Guidance for Researchers and general users of AI models within ORNL guidelines.
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications

• 1-2 years of recent AI experience including: agentic work experience, workflows, and development of agent fleets to accomplish specific tasks
• A BS in computer science, data science, artificial intelligence or a related field and a minimum of 5 years total relevant AI/ML experience
  • An overall combination of equivalent experience may be considered
• Experience developing and deploying AI/ML solutions in cloud and/or on‑prem including classified and secure environments, including gathering requirements, designing solutions, and delivering results
• Familiarity with modern AI/ML tools and platforms such as:
  • Azure AI services (e.g., Azure OpenAI, Azure SQL) or similar cloud tools
  • OpenAI APIs, Microsoft Azure AI Foundry, Google Vertex AI and AWS Bedrock, Hugging Face, LangChain, GitHub, GitLab or other LLM frameworks
• Experience working with data models, reporting solutions, or analytics environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a related field:
  • Master's degree with 4 years of experience
• Active DOE Q clearance, DoD TS with SCI and Poly
• Understanding of multidimensional and tabular modelling, vector databases, Graph DB
• Experience using Microsoft Visual Studio or Visual Studio Code, Python, PyTorch, TensorFlow
• Two to three years of experience leading group projects and programs with current AI/ML, Data Science or Data Analytic tools including using and teaching low code‑no code skills to others
• Knowledge of current ORNL business processes and applications (or similar) is a bonus
• Knowledge of Microsoft SharePoint technologies is a bonus
• A curious, problem‑solving mindset with the ability to learn and adapt in a fast‑moving space
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a project‑based team
• Strong communication skills and a focus on delivering value to customers and end users

Special Requirements

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre‑placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

Hybrid Eligibility

This position is located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and requires onsite presence. We offer a flexible work environment that supports both the organization and the employee. A hybrid/onsite working arrangement may be available with this position, which provides flexibility to work periodically from your home, while reporting onsite to the Oak Ridge, Tennessee location on a weekly and regular basis.

About ORNL

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

Benefits

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well‑being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on‑site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

Equal Opportunity Employer

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT‑Battelle is an E‑Verify employer.