Staff Research Scientist – Artificial Intelligence Engineer

ARA; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) seeks Staff Research Scientist – AI Engineer to develop AI/ML and computer vision software for defense and intelligence applications. You will process data from satellites, UAVs, ground vehicles, wearables and smart devices while collaborating with a diverse team.

The role requires US citizenship and eligibility for a security clearance, with a BS/MS in technical fields and strong Python/C++ experience. Raleigh, NC area on-site.

Qualifications

• US citizenship is required and green cards are not eligible.
• Eligibility to obtain a U.S. security clearance is required.
• BS in CS/EE or related field with 2–4 years experience, or MS with 0–2 years.
• Strong experience with AI/ML frameworks and Python/C++ software development.
• Solid background in linear algebra and probability theory, AWS experience.

Responsibilities

• Research, develop, test and deploy AI/ML and computer vision software.
• Process and integrate data from satellites, UAVs, ground vehicles, wearables and devices.
• Communicate technical results effectively to team members and stakeholders.
• Collaborate on software development and version control (Git).
• Contribute to DoD/IC programs and edge deployment considerations.

Skills

AI/ML frameworks

Python programming

C/C++ programming

Mathematics (linear algebra, prob.)

Git collaboration

Education

BS in CS/EE or similar

MS degree preferred

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

Docker

Kubernetes

Git

LangChain

Job description

The Analytical and Spatial Intelligence Research Team (ASIRT) at Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking scientists/researchers interested in developing artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and 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.

Staff Research Scientist – Artificial Intelligence Engineer Position Highlights

• Research, develop, test and deploy artificial intelligence, machine learning and computer vision software.
• Process and integrate data from different sources, including satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles, ground vehicles, human-wearables, and smart devices
• Enjoy a challenging technical career with opportunities for personal growth
• Team player able to communicate technical results effectively to others
• Position is located in the Raleigh, NC metropolitan area

Staff Research Scientist – Artificial Intelligence Engineer Position Required Experience & Skills:

• US citizenship required(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 2-4 years of experience OR MS degree with 0-2 years of experience
• Strong foundation and experience using AI/ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch) and software libraries (jax, scikit-learn, hugging-face, ollama, langchain, langgraph, or similar)
• Experience in software development in Python and C/C++
• Solid mathematical background in linear algebra and probability theory
• Experience working with AWS cloud computing
• Experience with collaborative software development and version control (Git)
• Proficiency in one of the following areas: mathematics, physics, robotics, sensor fusion, machine learning, computer vision or signal processing

Staff Research Scientist – Artificial Intelligence Engineer Position Desirable Experience & Skills:

• Experience working with AWS, S3, Docker and Kubernetes
• Experience developing software for execution on edge devices (GPUs, mobile phones, deployed CPU)
• 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/