Lead AI and Decision Engineer

The MITRE Corporation

$174K — $261K *
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years in AI with Bachelor's or 6 years with Master's or 3 years with PhD; equivalent experience accepted.
  • Proficient in machine learning, particularly in deep/reinforcement learning, and technical areas like LLM, human-centered AI, and cognitive science.
  • Strong articulation skills for complex AI challenges and gaps in decision-making contexts.
  • Demonstrated interest in learning and adapting to new domains and technologies.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences.
  • Capable of independent learning in new technologies and processes.
  • Experience leading interdisciplinary teams and engaging senior stakeholders.
  • Must obtain DOD TS/SCI security clearance and U.S. citizenship.

Responsibilities

  • Lead cross-functional teams to create AI-enhanced decision systems leveraging LLM technology.
  • Develop decision support software prototypes through workflow analysis.
  • Initiate and conduct research on advanced AI decision systems.
  • Assess AI solutions against sponsor standards; deliver actionable insights.
  • Direct projects or small teams to resolve complex decision-making issues.
  • Communicate complex technical ideas through briefings and white papers.
  • Mentor and collaborate with technical staff to enhance their expertise.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work model with a minimum of 50% on-site presence.
  • Opportunity to lead innovative AI projects across diverse domains.
  • Engage with senior mission stakeholders and interdisciplinary teams.
  • Access to resources for professional development in AI and engineering.
  • Work on impactful decision-making solutions for government sponsors.
Full Job Description
Our AI-enhanced Insights and Decisions department has a need for a Lead Artificial Intelligence and Decision Engineer with a passion for artificial intelligence (AI) and expertise in algorithms and decision making. We are specifically looking for talent in machine learning (including deep learning and reinforcement learning), and one or more of the following technical areas: large language models (LLM), generative and agentic AI, decision science, human-centered AI, human-machine teaming, cognitive science, AI testing and evaluation, multi-agent systems, knowledge-based reasoning, automated planning, semantics, and ontologies.

As an Artificial Intelligence and Decision Engineer, you will have opportunities to work on a wide range of problems, working in interdisciplinary teams. Your experience will allow you to:
  • Apply large language models to sponsors' decision making and problem-solving challenges.
  • Design, develop, evaluate, and field AI solutions that inform consequential, mission-critical decisions.
  • Identify and lead new R&D opportunities to strengthen the nation's growing artificial intelligence capabilities.


Roles & Responsibilities:
  • Provide technical leadership on cross-functional teams developing and implementing AI-enhanced decision systems, including capabilities that leverage large language model technology.
  • Apply modern AI and engineering techniques to develop decision support software prototypes based on analysis of workflow and operational needs.
  • Propose and execute novel, cutting-edge research in Al-enhanced decision systems.
  • Evaluate Al solutions against sponsor requirements and produce actionable recommendations.
  • Lead projects or small teams to solve complex decision problems for our sponsors.
  • Convey complex ideas to non-technical audiences through briefings and/or white papers.
  • Lead, mentor, and collaborate with technical staff


Basic Qualifications:
  • Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of experience in artificial intelligence with a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; or 6 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 3 years' experience; or equivalent combination of AI-related education and work experience.
  • Hands-on experience with machine learning (including deep learning and reinforcement learning), and one or more of the following technical areas: large language models (LLM), generative and agentic AI, decision science, human-centered AI, human-machine teaming, cognitive science, AI testing and evaluation, multi-agent systems, knowledge-based reasoning, automated planning, semantics, and ontologies.
  • Ability to articulate challenges in high-stakes decision making with AI and identify gaps.
  • A keen interest in learning about and rapidly responding to new problems across a variety of domains.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills to articulate challenging technical concepts to both lay and expert audiences.
  • Ability to work independently to learn new technologies, techniques, processes, languages, platforms, and systems.
  • Proven ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and engage senior mission stakeholders across technical and operational domains.
  • Ability and willingness to obtain and maintain a DOD TS/SCI security clearance. Per the U.S. Government's eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance.
  • This position requires a minimum of 50% hybrid on-site.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Advanced degree in computer science, engineering, or related disciplines.
  • Track record of successful deployment of AI/ML decision support systems or components that have been used by customers or stakeholders outside of a lab/experimental setting.
  • Experience leading teams of 5 or more to solve complex technical challenges.
  • Experience with testing and evaluation of AI systems.
  • Active DoD Secret clearance.


This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):
None

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):
Top Secret/SCI

Salary compensation range and midpoint:
$174,000 - $217,500 - $261,000 Annual

Work Location Type:
Hybrid

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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