Senior Software Engineer - AI / ML Platforms and Infrastructure

Allen Institute; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 168,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Visa sponsorship possible

401k plan

Paid time off

Medical, dental, vision

Job summary

Allen Institute in Washington State is hiring a Senior Software Engineer for AI/ML Platforms and Infrastructure within the Brain Health Accelerator program. You will design scalable systems to support training of large models and collaborate with partners on sensitive data use cases.

Requirements include 5+ years in AI/ML infrastructure, Python, shell scripting, Git, and cloud platforms (AWS/GCP/Azure). Hybrid WA work with relocation and visa sponsorship options.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum five years architecting and supporting AI/ML platforms and infrastructure.
• Proficiency with Jira, Python, shell scripting, and Git.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure) and distributed systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement cloud-based and on-premise AI/ML infrastructure.
• Collaborate with external partners on training models with sensitive data.
• Guide benchmarking and optimization of ML software and infrastructure.
• Provide AI workflow expertise to science and engineering teams.
• Translate complex concepts into clear, actionable insights.

Skills

Python

Shell scripting

Git

Cloud platforms

Distributed systems

Jira

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / Data Science or related field

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

AWS

Google Cloud

Azure

Job description

Senior Software Engineer, AI/ML Platforms and Infrastructure – Brain Health Accelerator

The

Allen Institut

e accelerates science for a healthier world through large-scale research designed to answer some of the most complex questions in biology. Our multi-disciplinary teams generate foundational knowledge, tools, and data to understand how our brain, cells, and immune system work. We share our work openly so others can build on it, move faster, and ask bigger questions. We drive discovery forward and create new possibilities for improving human health.

Brain Health

accelerator is to revolutionize the treatment of brain diseases by creating the first dual-use molecular tools that can not only reveal information about the diversity of cells in the human brain but also be used to target novel treatments to specific types of cells.

Essential Functions

• Design and implement cloud-based and on-premise solutions to support training of large-scale, multi-modality biological foundation models
• Collaborate with external partners to design and implement solutions for training of models with a mix of Allen Institute data and sensitive, non-shareable data from external collaborators. This may include investigating and making recommendations on the feasibility of federated learning and analytics for Brain Health Accelerator and partner use cases.
• Guide benchmarking and optimization efforts of ML software and infrastructure, including performance tuning and cost management
• Provide AI workflow expertise and support to science and engineering teams in Brain Health
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners to define requirements, scope, and priorities
• Identify risks, dependencies, and trade-offs, and proactively drive mitigation strategies
• Represent the Allen Institute in technical discussions with external vendors and partners
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including research teams, Central IT, and the Office of the CTO
• Translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences
• Ensure timely delivery of initiatives, managing scope, timelines, and resources effectively
• Ensure reliability and maintainability of deployed systems
• Drive continuous improvement in operational processes and tooling
• Foster effective communication across cross-functional and cross-institutional teams
• Lead knowledge-sharing initiatives (e.g., technical forums, training, or presentations)
• Mentor team members and contribute to the development of organizational best practices
• Serve as a technical and strategic advisor to stakeholders and leadership
• *Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.*

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Data Science, or related fields, or equivalent experience
• Minimum five years of experience in architecting, implementing, and supporting AI/ML platforms and infrastructure
• Proficiency with project management tools (e.g. Jira)
• Proficiency with Python and shell scripting
• Proficiency with Git for source code management
• Proficiency with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, Azure) and distributed systems

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or related fields, or equivalent experience
• Experience building and optimizing AI for science training pipelines
• Experience with federated learning
• Experience with at least one lower-level/compiled programming language
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, cross-functional technical initiatives
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Experience with life sciences, healthcare, or scientific research environments
• Demonstrated experience engaging with vendors and managing technical partnerships

Physical Demands

Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This role is currently able to work both remotely and onsite in a hybrid work environment. We are a Washington State employer, and the primary work location for all Allen Institute employees is 615 Westlake Ave N.; any remote work must be performed in Washington State.

Travel

Occasional travel to partner sites required

Occasional attendance and participation in national and international conferences required

Additional Comments

**Please note, this opportunity offers relocation assistance**

**Please note, this opportunity may offer work visa sponsorship**

Annualized Salary Range$167,850 - $209,750

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance
• Employees are also eligible to enroll in the Allen Institute’s 401k plan
• Paid time off is also available as outlined in the Allen Institutes Benefits Guide

Details on the Allen Institute’s benefits offering are located at the following link to the Benefits Guide:

It is the policy of the Allen Institute to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Allen Institute will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.