Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Scientist (Scientist 1)

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & vision insurance

Retirement plan

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a software engineer to develop enterprise-scale AI analytics platforms. You will design, implement, and deploy scalable Python-based systems, APIs, and data pipelines for ML and scientific applications.

You will work with cloud-native architectures, CI/CD, and distributed computing, collaborating with researchers across disciplines to accelerate national security missions.

Qualifications

• Bachelors in a STEM field with 2 years related experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and deploy scalable software for AI analytics.
• Develop production-quality Python code and APIs.
• Build cloud-native data pipelines and data services.
• Integrate heterogeneous data sources for ML workflows.
• Collaborate across labs and disciplines to solve cross-domain problems.
• Contribute to MLOps, DevSecOps, and advanced AI workflows.

Skills

Python programming

Git-based workflows

CI/CD pipelines

Data processing & ML workflows

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Effective communication

DOE Q/SC I clearance eligibility

Education

B.S. in STEM field

2 years related experience

M.S. in CS/Data Science (preferred)

Tools

Databricks

Spark

Delta Lake

Kubernetes

AWS

APIs / data schemas

Graph databases

Vector databases

Job description

What You Will Do

This position is open for external candidates only to apply.

The Earth and Environmental Sciences Division (EES), Energy and Natural Resources Security Group (EES-16) at Los Alamos National Laboratory is building next-generation artificial intelligence and data platforms that transform complex information into actionable intelligence for national security decision-makers. As a member of our team, you'll develop enterprise-scale data systems that power machine learning algorithms analyzing critical infrastructure helping the nation anticipate and respond to emerging threats.

Initially, you'll design, implement, and deploy scalable software systems supporting AI-enabled analytics and large-scale data integration. Responsibilities include developing production-quality Python code, designing APIs and data services, building cloud-native data pipelines, integrating heterogeneous data sources, and creating scalable analytics workflows for machine learning and scientific applications. You'll work with modern software engineering practices including version control, CI/CD, containerization, cloud-native architectures, and distributed computing, with opportunities to contribute to MLOps, DevSecOps, and advanced AI workflows that transition research into operational capabilities.

You'll collaborate with researchers and software engineers across multiple national laboratories and scientific disciplines-from computer science and mathematics to economics and engineering-to solve problems that transcend any single domain. Your work will span cloud-native architectures, large language models, knowledge graphs, and intelligent systems that augment human decision-making. This cross-disciplinary environment demands intellectual agility: you won't focus on a single technology stack but will rapidly acquire new skills and pivot between emerging technologies as national security priorities evolve.

This isn't abstract research. Your innovations will deploy in systems supporting government agencies protecting the nation's most vital assets. You'll thrive in a fast-paced environment where your ability to quickly learn and adapt is as valuable as your existing expertise. As AI advances and new threats emerge, you'll be at the forefront of innovation, constantly learning and applying cutting‑edge technologies to mission‑critical problems.

Unlike traditional positions focused on a single application, this role offers the opportunity to develop technologies supporting high‑impact national security missions. Your success depends on openness to change, enthusiasm for learning in a fast‑paced research environment, and ability to bridge disciplines and technologies as the national security landscape continuously transforms.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Experience in Python Programming
• Demonstrated experience working in collaborative software development environments, including Git-based workflows, automated unit and integration testing, and building or maintaining CI/CD pipelines.
• Experience working with data processing, analysis, and/or machine learning workflows
• Ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary scientific teams
• Strong commitment to continuous learning with demonstrated self-motivation and ability to work independently.
• Ability to articulate concepts through various oral and written communication media, using a diverse range of technical and business acumen.
• Ability to obtain a DOE Q and SCI security clearances, which generally requires U.S. citizenship.

Education/Experience

Position requires a bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 2 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Candidates that meet the degree requirement, but who do not meet the two-year experience requirement, are encouraged to apply and may be considered for hire through an allowable variance.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with data lakehouse or distributed data platforms such as Databricks, Spark, Delta Lake, or related technologies.
• Programming experience in multiple languages (e.g., SQL, Scala, Java, C/C++, R, Julia, Javascript, and/or Typescript), in addition to the minimum required programming experience.
• Experience with cloud infrastructure, Kubernetes, AWS, etc.
• Experience developing APIs and data schemas for software communication.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: natural language processing, information extraction, large language models, agentic AI workflows, or related AI/ML technologies.
• Experience using AI-assisted software development tools (e.g., Claude Code, Codex, OpenCode or other open-source coding assistants), including responsibly reviewing, testing, and validating AI-generated code.
• Experience with graph databases, vector databases, retrieval systems, and/or retrieval-augmented generation.
• Experience with front-end web and/or application development.
• An M.S. in computer science, data science or a related field within the past 5 years.

Note to Applicants

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents (\"green card\" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Work Location

The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Position Commitment

Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance, and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

• Eligibility Requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

New-Employment Drug Test

The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Regular Position

Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

Equal Opportunity

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to [e-mail] or call (505)-664-6947.