Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning Lead Verification and Validation Engineer

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 266,000; Full time

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State seeks an AI/ML Engineer to lead the IV&V and Data Curation Center of Excellence, guiding data labeling, curation, and governance for multiple data types in support of DoD/IC initiatives. This on-site role can be based in State College, PA or Reston, VA.

You will design data pipelines, establish standards, mentor engineers, and present findings to leadership while driving automation and scalable data practices in an Agile research setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field as listed.
• Extensive experience designing and managing data curation/IV&V workflows for AI/ML.
• Deep understanding of ML fundamentals and data impact on models.

Responsibilities

• Lead IV&V and data curation efforts for multiple data modalities.
• Mentor engineers in data labeling, curation, and IV&V processes.
• Develop data governance, labeling standards, and QA for datasets.

Skills

Python

SQL

Data curation

IV&V

Data labeling

ML fundamentals

Team leadership

DoD data

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

Azure

DVC

LakeFS

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Science, Engineering, or related field

Tools

CVAT

Label Studio

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

Azure

DVC

LakeFS

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a talented, experienced, organized, and a highly motivated AI/ML Engineer to join the Research Artificial Intelligence Department of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. You will lead our Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) and Data Curation Center of Excellence. This team serves as the foundation for effective machine learning—building, curating, and governing the data that directly determines whether AI/ML models succeed in operationally relevant environments.

This position can be filled in State College, PA or Reston, VA.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

• Serve as the technical lead for the IV&V and Data Curation Center of Excellence, setting priorities, defining standards, and driving the team's technical direction
• Mentor, guide, and coordinate a team of engineers performing data labeling, annotation, curation, and IV&V across multiple data modalities
• Establish and evolve annotation standards, labeling guidelines, data governance frameworks, and quality assurance processes to ensure consistency and reproducibility at scale
• Design and oversee data pipelines for ingestion, transformation, quality control, and cataloging of classified and open-source data
• Lead IV&V efforts on datasets and model outputs, defining acceptance criteria and fitness-for-use standards
• Serve as the primary point of contact between the data curation team and research scientists, algorithm developers, and program stakeholders to translate data needs into actionable plans
• Present findings, status, and recommendations to leadership and sponsors through well-constructed briefings, papers, and technical artifacts
• Evaluate and introduce tools, platforms, and best practices for annotation (e.g., CVAT, Label Studio), data versioning, and metadata management
• Drive automation of manual data analysis and curation processes to improve efficiency and scalability
• Architect and maintain data catalogs, metadata schemas, and access-controlled repositories that make curated datasets discoverable and accessible to the broader research team
• Work within an Agile development environment within a large research team

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Science, Engineering, or a related technical field
• Extensive experience designing and managing data curation, annotation, or IV&V workflows for AI/ML systems
• Deep understanding of machine learning fundamentals, including how data quality, labeling strategies, and dataset composition impact model training, evaluation, and deployment
• Strong proficiency in Python and SQL for data manipulation, pipeline development, and analysis
• Experience with data annotation tools and platforms (e.g., CVAT, Label Studio, or equivalent)
• Success in environments where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

• Prior experience leading or managing a technical team
• Experience working with DoD or Intelligence Community data, workflows, or operational environments
• Familiarity with geospatial data formats (shapefiles, GeoJSON, AIS), imagery/FMV exploitation, or signals data processing
• Experience with data versioning tools (e.g., DVC, LakeFS) or data catalog platforms
• Knowledge of IV&V methodologies and test and evaluation practices for data-driven systems
• Experience with containerized development environments (Docker, Kubernetes) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure)
• Master's degree or higher in a relevant field
• Current eligibility to access classified information at the Top Secret/ SCI level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to updated clearance eligibility, if required

Your working location will be fully-on site located in either State College, PA or Reston, VA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

If filled as R&D Engineer - Artificial Intelligence (ARL) - Principal Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 19+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

If filled as R&D Engineer - Artificial Intelligence (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $140,004.00 - $265,704.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Benefits:

• comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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