Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning Verification and Validation Engineer

Penn State University; Reston, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 111,000 - 241,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount

Full benefits

Job summary

Penn State University in Reston/State College area is seeking an AI/ML Engineer to join the IV&V and Data Curation Center of Excellence. You will build data pipelines, annotate multimodal data, and govern data quality for models operating in classified and open datasets.

The role requires hands‑on work with Python/SQL, data annotation platforms, and collaboration within an Agile research team. On-site in Reston, VA or State College, PA with DoD‑aligned project exposure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Proficiency in Python and SQL for data manipulation, analysis, and pipeline development.
• Familiarity with data annotation tools and workflows (e.g., CVAT, Label Studio, or equivalent).
• Understanding of machine learning concepts, including how data quality impacts model training, evaluation, and deployment.

Responsibilities

• Label, annotate, and curate multi‑modal datasets to support AI/ML model development and evaluation.
• Design and implement data pipelines for ingestion, transformation, quality control, and cataloging of classified and open‑source data.
• Develop and maintain annotation standards, labeling guidelines, and data governance processes to ensure consistency and reproducibility across projects.
• Conduct IV&V of datasets and model outputs to ensure data integrity, label accuracy, and fitness for intended use.
• Collaborate with researchers and stakeholders to identify, acquire, and prioritize data requirements for AI/ML projects.

Skills

Python

SQL

CVAT

Label Studio

ML concepts

Data governance

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/DS/Engineering or related field

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

Azure

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a talented, experienced, organized, detail-oriented, and highly motivated AI/ML Engineer to join our Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) and Data Curation Center of Excellence in the Information Science Division within the All-Domain Analytics and Signatures Office (A2SO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL). 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. You will focus on hands‑on work with classified multi-modal data, including imagery/FMV, geospatial and AIS tracks, signals and sensor data, and text-based intelligence reports and develop pipelines, annotation frameworks, and quality assurance processes while gaining deep exposure to state-of-the-art AI/ML research. ARL is an authorized DoD Skillbridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

• Label, annotate, and curate multi‑modal datasets (imagery/FMV, geospatial, signals, text/documents) to support AI/ML model development and evaluation
• Design and implement data pipelines for ingestion, transformation, quality control, and cataloging of classified and open‑source data
• Develop and maintain annotation standards, labeling guidelines, and data governance processes to ensure consistency and reproducibility across projects
• Conduct IV&V of datasets and model outputs to ensure data integrity, label accuracy, and fitness for intended use
• Collaborate with research scientists, algorithm developers, and program stakeholders to identify, acquire, and prioritize data requirements for specific AI/ML projects
• Build and maintain data catalogs, metadata schemas, and access‑controlled repositories that make curated datasets discoverable and accessible to the broader research team
• Employ Python, SQL, and annotation platforms (e.g., CVAT, Label Studio) to automate labeling workflows, perform exploratory data analysis, and develop quality metrics
• Document data provenance, lineage and known limitations to support model evaluation, reproducibility, and responsible AI practices
• Collaborate within an Agile development environment as part of 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
• Proficiency in Python and SQL for data manipulation, analysis, and pipeline development
• Familiarity with data annotation tools and workflows (e.g., CVAT, Label Studio, or equivalent)
• Understanding of machine learning concepts, including how data quality impacts model training, evaluation, and deployment

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

• 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 quality assurance practices for data‑driven systems
• Exposure to containerized development environments (Docker, Kubernetes) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure)

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

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) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 2+ years of relevant experience; Required Certifications: None

If filled as R&D Engineer - Artificial Intelligence (ARL) - Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science No prior relevant work experience required; 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website at www.arl.psu.edu.

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.

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

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $110,520.00 - $240,960.00. This salary range includes an adjustment based on required geographic work location. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State’s salary structure Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. 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. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

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. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land‑grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.