Senior Research Scientist - Advanced Computing Lab

At the SEI AI Division, we conduct research in applied artificial intelligence and the engineering challenges related to the practical design and implementation of AI technologies and systems. We currently lead a community-wide movement to mature the discipline of AI Engineering for Defense and National Security.  

As our government customers adopt AI and machine learning to provide leap-ahead mission capabilities, we  

• Build real-world, mission-scale AI capabilities through solving practical engineering problems 

• Discover and define the processes, practices, and tools to support operationalizing AI for human-centered, robust, secure, and scalable mission capabilities 

• Prepare our customers to be ready for the unique challenges of adopting, deploying, using, and maintaining AI capabilities 

• Identify and investigate emerging AI and AI-adjacent technologies that are rapidly transforming the technology landscape 

Are you creative, curious, and collaborative? Do you enjoy doing meaningful and complex work? Are you interested in making a difference by bringing innovation to government organizations and beyond? Apply to join our team. 

Position Summary:  As a senior research scientist with proven expertise in advanced computing, you will identify, shape, apply, conduct, and lead research in support of critical U.S. government needs. 

The ideal candidate will have a strong background with hands-on experience in one or more of the following technology areas: hardware/software co-design, performance optimization with heterogeneous and alternative computing systems (CPU/GPU/NPU/etc.), FPGA design, high-performance computing (HPC), distributed and scalable computing, compiler technology, and algorithm optimization. Additional expertise in applying AI/ML to electromagnetic spectrum operations is desired. 

Duties 

• Lead novel research in advanced computing and applied machine learning.  

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

• Conduct rapid prototyping to demonstrate and evaluate technologies in relevant environments. 

• Test and evaluate new and novel systems for performance and usability. 

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

• Mentor and teach junior staff, lead design sessions, and establish technical norms for the division. 

• Explore the latest in advanced hardware, including FPGAs, CGRAs, TPUs, and emergent technologies such as neuromorphic and analog processors. 

• Work with division leadership and colleagues to plan, develop, expand, and carry out an overall research strategy, and influence the national research agenda regarding future technology. 

• 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. 

Requirements 

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

• You must be able and willing to work onsite 5 days per week at our Pittsburgh offices.

• Able to travel to the Arlington SEI office, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings on occasion. Moderate (25%) travel outside of your home location. 

• You will be subject to a background check investigation and will need to obtain and maintain a Department of War security clearance. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• A published track record of conducting research and applying scientific methods.  

• Mastery of C/C++, Python, Verilog/VHDL, and/or other pertinent languages and software tools and frameworks. 

• Experience leading research projects and collaborating across research teams and mentoring other researchers.  

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

• Experience working with Department of War and Intelligence Community. 

• Familiarity with emerging trends and opportunities in industry and government.