Principal Research Scientist - Autonomous Systems

Peraton Labs; Basking Ridge (NJ); On-site; USD 146,000 - 234,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Job summary

Peraton Labs in Basking Ridge, NJ is looking for a Principal Research Scientist to lead research in autonomous systems. The role requires a PhD in Computer Science or a related area with at least 7 years of experience, focusing on AI and cybersecurity. Responsibilities include designing solutions, defining research programs, and engaging with customers. The target salary range is $146,000 to $234,000, and benefits include medical, dental, vision insurance, 401(k), and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience with a PhD in Computer Science or related area.
• Strong research background and development experience in AI, cybersecurity, and autonomous systems.
• Hands-on experience with AI technologies, models, and tools such as transformers and deep neural networks.

Responsibilities

• Lead or collaborate with research scientists to design, prototype, test, and demonstrate solutions to complex autonomous systems challenges.
• Define research programs and innovative approaches to solve customer problems.
• Articulate research directions to stakeholders and customers, and present findings.

Skills

AI technologies

Cybersecurity

Autonomous systems

Communication skills

Proposal writing

Education

PhD in Computer Science or related area

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Job description

About Peraton

Peraton is a next‑generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. We operate at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace, and serve as a valued partner to essential government agencies and the armed forces.

About The Role

Peraton Labs is seeking a self‑motivated Principal Research Scientist with a passion for developing solutions for problems in the field of autonomous systems across a variety of domains. You will lead or work with a team of research scientists to design, prototype, test, and demonstrate solutions to challenging research problems, define research programs, develop innovative concepts, and provide direction and vision for the team. You will also interact with customers to understand their needs, pitch new ideas, present research results, and develop proposals that address customer needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead or collaborate with research scientists to design, prototype, test, and demonstrate solutions to complex autonomous systems challenges.
• Define research programs and innovative approaches to solve customer problems.
• Articulate research directions to stakeholders and customers, and present findings.
• Drive customer engagement, including pitching ideas and presenting results.
• Develop and manage proposals for DoD/IC/government research opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience with a PhD in Computer Science or related area.
• Strong research background and development experience in AI, cybersecurity, and autonomous systems.
• Hands‑on experience with AI technologies, models, and tools such as transformers, deep neural networks, PyTorch or TensorFlow.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Ability and desire to quickly acquire knowledge of new subject matter areas.
• Experience in business development and proposal writing for R&D opportunities with DoD/IC/other Government customers is a plus.
• Experience leading DARPA or similar projects as Principal Investigator is a plus.
• US citizenship with the ability to obtain/maintain a Secret or higher clearance.

Details

Target Salary Range: $146,000 – $234,000. Salary is determined by factors including scope and responsibilities, experience, education, skills, and geographic location.

Benefits: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, health savings account, short/long term disability, EAP, parental leave, 401(k), paid time off, company paid holidays.

Equal Opportunity Employer: we provide equal opportunity to all applicants regardless of disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.