Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning Research and Development Engineer

Penn State University; United States; On-site; USD 146,000 - 319,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Robust retirement plans

Paid time off and holidays

On-site facilities and support

Job summary

Penn State University's Applied Research Laboratory is seeking Research and Development Engineers to advance state-of-the-art visualization and decision support for DoD-relevant data challenges. The role focuses on designing ML systems, experimenting with data fusion, and delivering technically rigorous reports from State College, PA or Reston, VA.

You will build high-quality prototypes, collaborate with sponsors, and guide junior staff while contributing to research across multi-domain datasets

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science.
• 19+ years of relevant experience for Principal level (ARL) or 5+ for Advanced level or 14+ for Senior level.
• Experience in R&D AI/machine learning environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement machine learning systems and models.
• Research and apply ML prototypes to sponsor domains.
• Visualize data for insights and produce technical reports.
• Perform data collection, modeling, and statistical analysis.
• Build software prototypes integrated with research environments.
• Collaborate with ARL staff and sponsors.
• Supervise lower-level staff and undergraduates and lead tasks within projects.

Skills

Data science/algorithm development

Python

ML model development

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

Pandas

PyTorch/TensorFlow

NumPy

Matplotlib

PostgreSQL

FastAPI

Git

Docker

Kubernetes

SSH

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are seeking highly motivated Research and Development Engineers to join our Research Artificial Intelligence of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. You will assist in providing customers with state-of-the-art visualization and decision support. The primary focus will be researching and developing feasible algorithmic solutions to our sponsor’s complex problems given large sets of multivariate data. Located in State College, PA or Reston, VA ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will

• Design and implement machine learning systems, models, and schemes
• Research and apply state-of-the-art machine learning prototypes to sponsor specific domains
• Search and select appropriate data sets before performing data collection and data modeling
• Visualize data for deeper insights
• Generate and present technical research reports and briefings
• Perform statistical analysis in support of pattern of life and anomaly detection
• Perform data fusion and correlation
• Build high quality software prototypes integrated with our various research and pre-production software environments
• Collaborate with other ARL staff and sponsors
• Supervise the work of lower-level staff and undergraduate student
• Perform tasks of a larger scope and lead specific tasks within the project scope

Required skills/knowledge includes

• Data science/algorithm development
• Data science / Machine Learning languages to include Python
• Research, development and implementation of machine learning models

Preferred skills/knowledge includes

• Active TS/SCI Clearance
• Master’s degree
• Training and optimizing ML algorithms on GPU hardware architectures, specifically NVIDIA based
• Working with geo-spatial data
• Statistics, multivariable calculus, and linear algebra
• Exploratory data analysis and visualization
• Data science / Machine Learning tools to include Pandas, PyTorch/TensorFlow, NumPy, MatPlotLib, PostGreSQL, FastAPI
• Software Development tools to include Git, Docker, Kubernetes, SSH

Your work location will be fully on-site 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) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ 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 $146,040.00 - $318,840.00. This salary range includes an adjustment based on required geographic work location.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the 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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