Title: AI/ML Research Scientist
Company: Heven AeroTech
Location: Sterling, Virginia
FLSA: Exempt
Role Summary:The AI/ML Research Scientist will lead pioneering research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, hydrogen systems, and autonomous aerospace operations. This role requires conducting applied research that bridges cutting-edge academic theory with mission-critical defense applications, publishing findings, filing patents, and influencing the technical direction of our autonomous systems portfolio while generating foundational intellectual property for next-generation autonomous UAS.
Essential Responsibilities: - Design and implement AI/ML algorithms for autonomous navigation, including visual-inertial odometry, SLAM, and sensor fusion
- Architect adversarial robustness frameworks and edge AI optimizations tailored for mission-critical defense applications.
- Create predictive models for hydrogen fuel cell performance and thermal management
- Build physics-informed neural networks and digital twin simulations for aerospace systems
- Research quantum sensing integration methods for navigation and perception
- Document research findings and prepare invention disclosures for patent applications
- Write technical specifications for proprietary algorithms and system architectures
- Publish research papers and present at conferences
- Maintain detailed records of experimental results and methodologies
- Develop proof-of-concept software in simulation and hardware-in-the-loop environments
- Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate research algorithms into UAS platforms
- Conduct testing and validation of algorithms using real-world flight data
- Troubleshoot and refine models based on experimental performance
- Participate in technical design reviews and provide AI/ML expertise
- Coordinate with university partners and industry collaborators on joint research
- Support proposal development for research funding opportunities
- Track emerging AI/ML technologies relevant to autonomous aerospace systems
Qualifications & Experience: Required:
- Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related field with dissertation in machine learning, robotics, autonomous systems, computer vision, or control theory
- 3+ years post-Ph.D. research experience in AI/ML
- Minimum 3 peer-reviewed publications with at least one first-author paper
- Expert knowledge of deep learning architectures (CNNs, transformers, reinforcement learning) and probabilistic machine learning
- Proficiency in PyTorch, TensorFlow, or JAX; strong Python skills
- Experience with computer vision, sensor fusion, or state estimation
- U.S. Person status (U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident, Asylee, or Refugee)
- Ability to obtain DoD Secret clearance within first year
Required:
- 5+ years post-Ph.D. research experience with 10+ publications and H-index 6gt;= 3
- Patent applications or issued patents in AI/ML or autonomous systems
- Domain expertise in one or more: robotics/ROS, aerospace/flight dynamics, quantum computing, physics-informed ML, edge AI optimization, or adversarial ML
- Proven record of transitioning research into practical applications, complemented by grant writing and Principal Investigator (PI) experience
Physical Requirements: - The ability to maintain a stable, upright seated or standing position for extended periods (typically 6-10 hours per day) without significant physical fatigue.
- High-frequency use of fingers and wrists for data entry, complex coding, and navigating digital interfaces using keyboards and mice.
- The capacity for "near-point" visual tasking, involving the ability to focus on high-resolution displays for long durations and process dense information without excessive eye strain
Benefits Overview: Heven AeroTech offers a competitive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and overall well-being of our employees and their families. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off/sick, and additional protections such as critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, and short- and long-term disability.
