Principal Research Scientist - Autonomous Systems

Peraton; Silver Spring (MD); On-site; USD 146,000 - 234,000; Full time

Job summary

Peraton Labs is seeking a Principal Research Scientist to lead efforts in autonomous systems across diverse domains. You will guide a team of researchers to design, prototype, test, and demonstrate innovative solutions, while defining programs and directing research strategies.

Your work will include interacting with customers to understand needs, pitching ideas, and presenting results, along with developing proposals and leading execution of research programs focused on AI-enabled

Qualifications

• PhD required in Computer Science or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in AI, cybersecurity, and autonomous systems.
• Hands-on experience with state-of-the-art AI models and deep learning tools.
• Ability to communicate and present research results effectively.
• Experience with DoD/IC government customers a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead or collaborate with research teams to design, prototype, and test autonomous systems.
• Interact with customers to understand needs, pitch ideas, and present results.
• Develop proposals and lead execution of research programs.

Skills

AI research

Cybersecurity

Autonomous systems

Communication skills

Proposal writing

Clearance eligibility

Education

PhD in Computer Science or related field

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Job description

Principal Research Scientist - Autonomous Systems

Job Locations: US-NJ-Basking Ridge | US-MD-Annapolis Junction | US-MD-Silver Spring

Responsibilities

Peraton Labs seeks a self‑motivated Principal Research Scientist to develop solutions for 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. Your work will involve defining research programs, developing innovative concepts and approaches to solving problems in autonomous systems, and providing direction and vision for the team. You will clearly articulate research directions to solve a broad range of customer problems with cutting‑edge solutions.

You will interact with customers to understand their needs, pitch new ideas and present research results, develop proposals, and lead execution of research programs. You will design and prototype software to prove technical concepts; strong software development skills and willingness to learn new technologies are required.

Projects include AI‑enabled cybersecurity, adversarial machine learning, large language models, cyber and networking models, reinforcement learning, social media disinformation and influence campaigns, and related AI applications. The ideal candidate is excited to work on cutting‑edge research in a collaborative environment that fosters continuous learning.

Qualifications

Requirements:

• Minimum of 7 years of experience and a PhD in Computer Science or related field.
• Strong research background and development experience in AI, cybersecurity, and autonomous systems.
• Hands‑on experience with AI technologies, models, and tools, including state‑of‑the‑art modeling techniques such as transformers, feature engineering and modeling, development of deep neural networks with modern tools such as 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 writing winning proposals for R&D opportunities with DoD/IC/other government customers such as DARPA, IARPA, ARL, AFRL, etc. is a plus.
• Experience in leading DARPA or similar projects as Principal Investigator is a plus.
• US Citizenship with the ability to obtain/maintain a Secret or higher clearance is required.

Peraton Overview

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. We deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. We serve essential government agencies and support every branch of the U.S. armed forces.

Target Salary Range

$146,000 - $234,000. Salary is determined by factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, experience, education, skills, and geographic location. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

EEO

Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.