Job Summary

We are currently seeking a Transportation Automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Specialist. This position is a part-time or full-time opportunity located in the DC Metro region (Hybrid).

Within Battelle's Infrastructure Safety & Security (ISS) Division, we support federal, state, and commercial clients in advancing safe, secure, and resilient transportation systems. Transportation Automation and AI Specialist is a senior-level role that will help define the future of intelligent mobility by applying advanced artificial intelligence and automation technologies to some of the nation's most pressing transportation challenges. The selected candidate will work alongside transportation engineers, data scientists, systems engineers, policy experts, and federal clients to develop innovative solutions that improve safety, operational efficiency, infrastructure resilience, and traveler experience across the transportation ecosystem.

Responsibilities

As a Transportation Automation and AI Specialist, the selected individual will provide technical leadership in the application of AI, machine learning, autonomous systems, digital engineering, and data-driven decision-making across surface transportation. Responsibilities may include:

• Providing technical leadership in the application of AI, machine learning, automation, and advanced analytics to transportation systems
• Evaluating Automated Driving Systems (ADS) and Cooperative Driving Automation (CDA) technologies, and advising on their applicability to transportation programs
• Developing AI-enabled solutions for transportation operations, safety, mobility, infrastructure management, and asset management
• Developing AI governance frameworks addressing transparency, explainability, ethics, privacy, bias mitigation, and responsible AI use
• Designing and evaluating AI models supporting deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO), connected vehicle technologies, and digital infrastructure
• Supporting research, development, testing, evaluation, and deployment of transportation automation technologies
• Assessing emerging AI technologies and advising on their applicability to transportation systems and programs
• Performing technology assessments, market analyses, and strategic planning related to transportation automation
• Supporting digital transformation initiatives within transportation agencies
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams including transportation engineers, software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists, and systems engineers
• Supporting proposal development, business development, and client engagement activities
• Preparing technical reports, strategic plans, research publications, white papers, and client presentations
• Representing the organization at technical conferences, standards committees, and industry working groups

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Transportation Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, or a related technical discipline
• 10+ years of professional experience in transportation technology, intelligent transportation systems, AI, automation, robotics, or advanced transportation research
• Active Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Experience applying AI and machine learning techniques to complex operational environments
• Knowledge of Transportation System Management and Operations (TSMO), Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), and related transportation programs
• Experience with data analytics, predictive modeling, and decision support systems
• Demonstrated ability to work directly with government and industry clients
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Applicants must have authorization to work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of any employment Visa at this time.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in a relevant technical field
• Experience supporting the U.S. Department of Transportation, state Departments of Transportation, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), automotive OEMs, or technology companies developing automated mobility solutions
• Working knowledge of AI and machine learning techniques, including machine learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, large language models (LLMs), generative AI, computer vision, natural language processing, predictive analytics, digital twins, agentic AI and autonomous agents, explainable AI (XAI), and AI governance and responsible AI frameworks
• Familiarity with transportation automation technologies, including Automated Driving Systems (ADS), Cooperative Driving Automation (CDA), and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communications

Compensation Data

Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $154,500 - $220,200 per year, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life
We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

• Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off-giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs .
• Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
• Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
• Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
• Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.