Associate AI and Decision Engineer with Security Clearance

First Roles; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 98,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

MITRE in the United States seeks an Associate Artificial Intelligence and Decision Engineer to apply AI/ML, decision science, and agentic AI to mission-critical challenges across national security and public-interest domains.

You will design, develop, evaluate, and field AI solutions that inform consequential decisions, lead research initiatives, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams. This onsite role requires a Top Secret clearance and a Bachelor’s degree.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a related Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• Hands-on experience with machine learning, deep learning or reinforcement learning.
• Experience with C++ and Python programming.
• Ability to communicate complex AI concepts to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Work in cross-functional teams to develop AI-enhanced decision systems.
• Apply AI and engineering techniques to prototype decision-support software.
• Propose and execute research in AI-enabled decision systems.
• Evaluate AI solutions against sponsor requirements and provide actionable recommendations.
• Lead projects or small teams to solve complex decision problems for sponsors.

Skills

Machine learning

C++

Python

LLM / agentic AI

Decision science

AI testing and evaluation

Multi-agent systems

Knowledge-based reasoning

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

At MITRE, your passion fuels work that impacts our nation and improves lives. This is where your skills strengthen national security, cybersecurity, health, transportation, and citizen services. We're a nonprofit engineering, applied research, and advanced technology organization working in the public interest. With objectivity and integrity at our core, we lead federally funded research and development centers for U.S. government agencies - collaborating with industry and academia to deliver integrated, high-impact solutions that advance our nation's health, security, and prosperity. Our people tackle the toughest technical challenges, supported by competitive benefits, meaningful career development, and a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence. Choose MITRE for a career with purpose - and help shape the future.

Department Summary: Our AI-enhanced Insights and Decisions department has a need for an Associate Artificial Intelligence and Decision Engineer with a passion for artificial intelligence (AI) and expertise in algorithms and decision making. We are specifically looking for talent in machine learning (including deep learning and reinforcement learning), and one or more of the following technical areas: large language models (LLM), generative and agentic AI, decision science, human-centered AI, human-machine teaming, cognitive science, AI testing and evaluation, multi-agent systems, knowledge-based reasoning, automated planning, semantics, and ontologies. As an Artificial Intelligence and Decision Engineer, you will have opportunities to work on a wide range of problems, working in interdisciplinary teams. Your experience will allow you to:

• Apply large language models and agentic AI to sponsors' decision making and problem-solving challenges.
• Design, develop, evaluate, and field AI solutions that inform consequential, mission-critical decisions.
• Identify and lead new R&D opportunities to strengthen the nation's growing artificial intelligence capabilities.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Work in cross-functional teams to develop and implement AI-enhanced decision systems, including capabilities that leverage large language model technology.
• Apply modern AI and engineering techniques to develop decision support software prototypes based on analysis of workflow and operational needs.
• Propose and execute novel, cutting-edge research in Al-enhanced decision systems.
• Evaluate Al solutions against sponsor requirements and produce actionable recommendations.
• Lead projects or small teams to solve complex decision problems for our sponsors.

Basic Qualifications:

• Typically requires less than 1 year of related experience with a related Bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
• Hands-on experience with machine learning (including deep learning and reinforcement learning), and one or more of the following technical areas: large language models (LLM), generative and agentic AI, decision science, human machine teaming, cognitive science, AI testing and evaluation, multi-agent systems, knowledge-based reasoning, automated planning, semantics, and ontologies.
• Ability to articulate challenges in high-stakes decision making with AI and identify gaps.
• A keen interest in learning about and rapidly responding to new problems across a variety of domains.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to articulate challenging technical concepts to both lay and expert audiences.
• Ability to work independently to learn new technologies, techniques, processes, languages, platforms, and systems.
• Ability to function as a member of cross-functional teams.
• Experience with programming languages such as C++ and Python.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S Government issued Security Clearance. Per the U.S. Government's eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance.
• This position requires a minimum of 3 days per week on-site.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated recent experience with large language models and agentic AI.
• Experience with testing and evaluation of AI systems, explainable AI, or strategic AI adoption.
• Hands-on experience with the development and deployment of AI-enhanced decision system prototypes.
• Active DoD Secret clearance.

This requisition requires the candidate to have the following clearance(s): None

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s): Top Secret

Salary compensation range and midpoint: $97,600 - $122,000 - $146,400

Annual Work Location Type: Onsite

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.

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