Senior Research Scientist – Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Ara; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) in Raleigh, NC, seeks a Senior Research Scientist–Artificial Intelligence Engineer to develop AI/ML and computer vision software for defense applications. You will work on data integration from satellites, UAVs, ground vehicles, wearables, and smart devices.

The role emphasizes rigorous research, prototyping, and deployment, with collaboration across a close-knit team. US citizenship and security clearance eligibility are required.

Qualifications

• US citizenship is required and applicants must be eligible for a U.S. security clearance.
• BS degree with 8–10 years of experience or MS degree with 6–8 years of experience.
• Strong math background in linear algebra and probability theory.
• Experience with AI/ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch) and libraries (jax, scikit-learn, hugging-face, ollama, LangChain).

Responsibilities

• Research, develop, test, and deploy AI/ML and computer vision software.
• Integrate data from multiple sources including satellites and UAVs.
• Communicate technical results effectively to team members.

Skills

US citizenship

Security clearance eligibility

Linear algebra

Probability theory

AI/ML frameworks

Software communication

Git

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Master's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

hugging-face

ollama

LangChain

LangGraph

Job description

Senior Research Scientist – Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Job Category: Scientific/Analytical

Requisition Number: SENIO009757

• Posted : April 24, 2026
• Full-Time

Locations

Showing 1 location

Description

The Analytical and Spatial Intelligence Research Team (ASIRT) atApplied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA)is seeking scientists/researchers interested in developing artificial intelligence (AI), machinelearningand computer vision software to solve challenging problems for the US defense and intelligence communities. We perform fundamental and applied research in many open areas, including GenAI,Agentic AI Systems, Large Language Models (LLMs), Vision Language Models (VLMs), backbone fine tuning, AI explainability, adversarial attacks and World Models. We are a close-knit team of creative thinkers from diverse backgrounds who collaborate to find non-standard solutions to challenging problems. We encourage candidates with a creative and entrepreneurial spirit who seek a research career within a stable industry to apply.

SeniorResearch Scientist–Artificial IntelligenceEngineer Position Highlights:

• Research, develop,testand deploy artificial intelligence, machinelearningand computer vision software.
• Process and integrate data fromdifferent sources, including satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles, ground vehicles, human-wearables, and smart devices
• Team player able to communicate technical results effectively to others
• Enjoy a challenging technical career with opportunities for personal growth
• Positionis located inthe Raleigh, NC metropolitan area

SeniorResearch Scientist –Artificial Intelligence Engineer PositionRequired Experience & Skills:

• US citizenshiprequired (green card holders are not eligible for this position)
• Eligibility to apply for and hold a U.S. security clearance (selected applicants will undergo a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements at the time of employment)
• BS Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or similar technical field along with 8-10 years of experience OR MS Degree with 6-8 years of experience
• Solid mathematical background in linear algebra and probability theory
• Strong foundationand experience using AI/ML frameworks (TensorFlow,PyTorch) and software libraries (jax, scikit-learn, hugging-face,ollama,langchain,langgraph, or similar)
• 5+ years relevant workin software &algorithm development
• Experience working withAWScloud computing
• Experience with collaborative software development and version control(Git)
• Proficiencyin one of the following areas: mathematics, physics, robotics, sensor fusion, machine learning, computervisionor signal processing

SeniorResearch Scientist –Artificial Intelligence Engineer PositionDesirableExperience & Skills:

• Experience working with AWS, S3, Docker and Kubernetes
• Experience working with and flying Class I unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
• Experience writing technical proposals
• Experience working on intelligence and DoD programs

Who is ARA?

Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2,226 employee-owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

ARA also prides itself, on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. The motto, Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit sums up the ARA experience. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice in what happens in the company.

To find out more about what the Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance Division has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/benefits/

Qualifications

Education

Required

Bachelors or better in Computer Science or related field.

Preferred

Masters or better in Computer Science or related field.

Experience

Required

8-10 years:

Relevant Work Experience with a Bachelors Degree

Preferred

6-8 years:

Relevant Work Experience with a Masters Degree

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.