Mid-Level Software Engineer

Riverside Research; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Riverside Research is seeking a Mid-Level Machine Learning/AI Software Engineer to develop, implement, and apply ML/AI algorithms for defense applications. You will collaborate with data scientists, software engineers, and defense analysts to enhance systems and support mission-critical operations.

Required: Secret clearance (TS/SCI), 8–10 years of software engineering with ML/AI, and proficiency in Python/Java/C++.

Qualifications

• Current Secret clearance, ability to obtain TS/SCI.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related field.
• 8–10 years of software engineering experience with a focus on ML/AI and data analysis.
• Proficiency in Python, Java, or C++, with ML libraries TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn.
• Strong understanding of ML/AI algorithms, statistics, and data mining techniques.
• Experience with data management tools and frameworks.
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum and Git.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) and deployment of ML/AI models in cloud environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and apply ML/AI algorithms.
• Design, implement, and optimize ML/AI models for defense applications.
• Collaborate with data scientists to preprocess and analyze large datasets.
• Develop scalable software solutions integrating ML/AI into existing systems.
• Conduct experiments to evaluate and refine model performance.
• Participate in full software development lifecycle: requirements, design, tests, and documentation.
• Stay current with ML/AI advancements and best practices.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for stakeholders.

Skills

Python

Java

C++

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Scikit-learn

Git

Agile

Cloud (AWS/Azure)

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

OpenAI SDK

LangGraph

Ollama

Job description

Mid‑Level Software Engineer

Location: Fairfax, VA or Lexington, MA.

Riverside Overview

Riverside Research is an independent National Security nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high‑end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country's most challenging technical problems.

All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. citizenship.

Position Overview

As a Mid‑Level Machine Learning/AI Software Engineer, you will develop, implement, and apply machine learning/AI algorithms and solutions to address complex challenges within defense applications. You will collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams—including data scientists, software engineers, and defense analysts—to enhance the capabilities of our systems and support mission‑critical operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and apply machine learning / AI algorithms.
• Design, implement, and optimize machine learning/AI models for various defense applications, including data analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modeling.
• Collaborate with data scientists to preprocess and analyze large datasets, ensuring high‑quality training data for model development.
• Develop scalable software solutions that integrate machine learning/AI algorithms into existing systems and workflows.
• Conduct experiments to evaluate and refine model performance, ensuring reliability and accuracy.
• Participate in the full software development lifecycle, including requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, and documentation.
• Stay current with advancements in machine learning/AI technologies and methodologies, applying best practices to enhance our projects.
• Contribute to the preparation of technical reports and presentations for stakeholders.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Current Secret clearance, ability to obtain a TS/SCI.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related field.
• 8‑10 years of experience in software engineering with a focus on machine learning/AI and data analysis.
• Proficient in programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++, with experience in machine learning/AI libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit‑learn).
• Strong understanding of machine learning/AI algorithms, statistical analysis, and data mining techniques.
• Experience with data management tools and frameworks.
• Familiarity with software development methodologies (Agile, Scrum) and version control systems (Git).
• Familiarity with cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure) and deployment of machine learning/AI models in cloud environments.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a team‑oriented environment.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current TS/SCI clearance.
• Experience in defense or government contracting environments.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity principles and practices.
• Familiarity with common AI Agent SDKs (LangGraph, OpenAI SDK, etc.) and related protocols (MCP, A2A).
• Familiarity with running language models locally (using HuggingFace transformers, Ollama, LM Studio, llama.cpp, etc.).

Global Compensation

$90,000 – $180,000. This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location, and other factors.

Closing Statement

Riverside Research Institute is a not‑for‑profit, technology‑oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action‑equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees.

Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job‑related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not‑for‑profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran's status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.