Project/Unit Description The Signals and Systems Division (SASD) in the Advanced Concepts and Technologies Laboratory (ACT) seeks an Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) Engineer in Atlanta, GA and/or Dayton, OH. The division's mission is to shape the development of next-generation technical capabilities and strengthen our national defense through leading-edge research and analytic support, informed by a deep knowledge of operational capabilities, current intelligence, and the related information environment.
ACT develops tailored solutions for a broad range of national security challenges through the application of physics- and effects-based modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A), augmented with prototype development and testing. Domains include optical systems, lidar, sensing and seekers, photonic devices and microelectronics, mission engineering analysis, traditional and asymmetric threat analysis, and ground maneuver warfare.
The AI/ML Engineer works with research, development, and testing teams to design, develop, and deploy reliable AI/ML solutions. Responsibilities include integrating AI/ML concepts into computer simulations, implementing MS&A environments and infrastructure to train AI agents, conducting simulation experiments to predict system behavior, delivering solutions to stakeholders, and improving processes through generative AI research and application.
The engineer should understand current AI/ML concepts and techniques and remain familiar with emerging tools, languages, and frameworks. Relevant technologies may include PyTorch, TensorFlow, FastAPI, OpenAI Codex, and containerized or cloud infrastructures. The engineer will apply software engineering and MLOps practices to ensure solutions are maintainable, reproducible, secure, and observable, monitor model performance, identify data and system issues, and continuously improve systems. The role also supports responsible AI practices, including fairness, security, explainability, and appropriate data use.
Job Purpose The Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) Engineer develops AI/ML algorithms, cloud computing, and/or heterogeneous distributed computing infrastructures to support the deployment of AI/ML applications. The AI/ML Engineer also researches the mathematical foundations and frameworks for nonlinear systems characterized by time-varying and emerging dynamics of evolving or adaptive systems. The AI/ML Engineer develops technical solutions at the leading edge of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Genetic Programming, Computer Vision, and advanced data processing, filtering, and fusion techniques in high-performance computing and distributed heterogeneous computing environments. The AI/ML Engineer writes parallel processing programs to deploy ML models developed by data scientists into more complex systems. The AI/ML Engineer has familiarity with state-of-the-art, open-source software frameworks and high-performance computing accelerators for machine learning. When conducting research, the AI/ML Engineer leverages the most recent advances in statistical analysis of large data sets to advance state-of-the-art automated sensor and data processing for a broad range of intelligent and sensor-enabled systems.
Key Responsibilities - Design complex system architectures (e.g., high-performance computing clusters, networks, chipsets, GPUs) based on available hardware (e.g., embedded systems, cloud, on-premise, etc.)
- Lead a team of engineers responsible for system deployment
- Develop novel algorithms and methodologies
- Engage with sponsors to understand and meet system requirements
- Serve as the primary author on technical reports and proposals
Additional Responsibilities - Directly support Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) efforts by developing and training new models, implementing AI/ML technologies into a modeling and simulation environment, and assessing the performance of AI/ML technologies in the context of a military conflict
- Integrate with study planning, mission modeling, and data analysis functional teams
- Lead by example, establish best practices and coding patterns, and mentor others to produce extensible and maintainable code
- Advise senior government and industry stakeholders in strategy related to operations analysis
- Lead technical projects based on operational analysis of advanced systems of systems
- Capture external funding for future projects that involve operational scenarios and architecture analysis
- Contribute to the innovative, cutting-edge software research using Independent Research and Development (IRAD)
- Develop skills and training as part of the greater GTRI workforce using professional development funding
Required Minimum Qualifications - BS in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Operations Research, Physics, Mathematics, or related discipline
- At least two years of experience with at least one of the following languages:
- C, C#, C++
- Python
- Java
- MATLAB
- Rust
- Experience with artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) foundational research and developing AI/ML solutions
- Good verbal and written communication skills. Able to convey technical material in a clear, concise manner to a nontechnical audience
- Able to act in varied roles as both a technical resource and in leadership positions
- Ability to work in a secure space without access to the internet or personal electronic devices
- Able to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret Security Clearance
Preferred Qualifications - Active TS/SCI Clearance
- MS or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Operations Research, Physics, Mathematics, or related discipline
- Candidates currently enrolled in an accredited degree program relevant to this position will be considered. The candidate must have a graduation date of no later than May 2027
- Experience with generative AI and large language models, including prompt engineering, retrieval-augmented generation, model evaluation, fine-tuning, and responsible AI practices
- Experience deploying and operating ML systems in cloud or containerized environments, using technologies such as Docker, Kubernetes, AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, along with MLOps tools for experiment tracking, model versioning, monitoring, and reproducibility
- Experience with reinforcement learning, autonomous systems, or multi-agent modeling, including training AI agents, designing reward functions, conducting simulation experiments, and analyzing agent behavior
- Depth of knowledge of defense-related business and technical priorities
- Experience writing successful proposals as part of a cross-functional team
Travel Requirements 10% - 25% travel
Education and Length of Experience This position vacancy is an open-rank announcement.The final job offerwill be dependent on candidate qualifications in alignment with Research Faculty Extension Professional ranks as outlined in section 3.2.1 of the Georgia Tech Faculty Handbook
- 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Operations Research, Physics, Mathematics, or related discipline
- 3 years of related experience with a Masters' degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Operations Research, Physics, Mathematics, or related discipline
- 0 years of related experience with a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Operations Research, Physics, Mathematics, or related discipline
Please refer to our Research Faculty Technical Level Guidelines for minimum requirements at the higher levels.
U.S. Citizenship Requirements Due to our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be U.S. Citizens.
Clearance Type Required Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.
Benefits at GTRI Comprehensive information on currently offered GTRI benefits, including Health & Welfare, Retirement Plans, Tuition Reimbursement, Time Off, and Professional Development, can be found through this link: https://benefits.hr.gatech.edu/.
