Senior Autonomous Systems Research Scientist

As AI-enabled autonomous systems get closer to widespread deployment, fundamental research questions remain around their development and use, especially in high-stakes environments. How can we guarantee systems respond appropriately in critical scenarios? How can we employ collaborative autonomy to maximize mission objectives? What is the appropriate level of autonomy to enable a specific mission? 

The AI for Autonomy Lab within the SEI’s AI Division is recruiting a Senior Autonomous Systems Research Scientist who has a passion for solving complex problems in real-world, mission-critical environments to tackle questions like these. The lab is focused on the lifecycle of AI-enabled autonomous systems, and helping our sponsors apply AI appropriately to increase system effectiveness without adding unacceptable risk. 

Position Summary: As a Senior Autonomous Systems Research Scientist you will identify, lead, and conduct research in support of critical U.S. government needs. 

The ideal candidate will have a strong background with hands-on experience solving problems in one or more of the following technology areas: 

• Applied Machine Learning and AI: Research and implement machine learning principles, techniques, and architectures on autonomous systems in varying domains (e.g., air, sea, land). 

• Assured Autonomy: Create tools and techniques for evaluating and explaining AI-enabled autonomous system performance. 

• Collaborative Autonomy: Study AI approaches to motion planning, task planning, mission planning, and command and control to enable effective, resilient, and scalable teaming. 

• Counter-Autonomy: Investigate system development approaches and methods for mitigating vulnerabilities associated with the inclusion of machine learning in autonomous systems. 

• Modeling and Simulation: Use simulation to develop techniques for data-driven evaluation of real-world learning-based autonomous systems. 

Duties:  

• Hands-on Research: Lead novel research in applied machine learning and robotics. 

• Solution Development: Lead interdisciplinary teams to turn research results into prototype operational capabilities for government customers and stakeholders. 

• Collaboration: Actively participate with researchers, developers, engineers, designers, technical leads, campus labs, and our government customers to understand challenges, needs, and potential solutions. 

• Mentoring: Mentor and teach junior staff, lead technical sessions, and contribute to the establishment of technical norms for the Lab. 

• Intellectual Curiosity: Maintain awareness of the latest in AI-enabled autonomous systems, especially as it pertains to National Security use cases. 

• Technical Communication: Develop and deliver compelling technical presentations for diverse audiences, tailor content for varied stakeholders, speak at conferences and workshops, and publish in pertinent peer-reviewed journals. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• A published track record of conducting machine learning and robotics research and applying scientific methods 

• Experience leading research projects and collaborating across research teams and stakeholders 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; demonstrated ability to convey complex technical ideas to diverse audiences 

• Experience writing and delivering successful research proposals to funding agencies and leading the resulting projects 

• Experience with programming languages such as Python, C/C++, and other pertinent languages and frameworks 

• Familiarity with state of practice, emerging trends and opportunities in industry and government 

• Experience working with Department of War and Intelligence Community preferred 

Requirements 

• BS in Robotics, Computer Science, Machine Learning, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline with ten (10) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with eight (8) years of experience; OR PhD in the same fields with five (5) years of experience. 
   

• You must be able and willing to work onsite at an SEI office in Pittsburgh, PA or Arlington, VA 5 days per week.

• Eligible to obtain and maintain a Department of War security clearance. 
   

• Willing to travel up to 25% of the time to locations outside of your home location. Travel sites include SEI offices in Pittsburgh and Arlington, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings.