Associate Researcher

About the Team 

The Sensors Division at STR focuses on technology development for advanced sensor systems and platforms in support of national security. The Systems Autonomy, Analysis, and Modeling (SAAM) Group within the Sensors Division develops, adapts, and applies cutting-edge autonomy research to solve real-world problems on the foundation of physics-based modeling and simulation. Algorithmic areas of interest include: AI/ML, controls theory, sensor signal processing (especially radar and EO/IR), tracking, optimization, and resource allocation. Application domains include: manned air platforms (e.g., the F-35 Joint Simulation Environment), unmanned air platforms, and space assets, primarily for the Air Force and Navy as well as DARPA research programs.

The Role: 

The SAAM Group is seeking an Associate Researcher to research, design, develop and implement a portfolio of capabilities to further our autonomy mission.  You will participate in multi-disciplinary teams spread across multiple STR campuses to execute technical efforts, contribute to reports, deliverables, and proposals, and help to develop innovative solutions to complex and challenging national security problems.  Specifically, you will focus on innovating and applying AI/ML and other algorithms to develop autonomy capabilities, particularly in simulation.

A successful candidate will have demonstrated the ability to successfully carry out computer-based research tasks with limited supervision. This position also requires skills in software development, oral communication, written communications, and peer leadership.

What you will do: 

• Design, develop, and modify cutting-edge machine learning and other algorithms to conduct studies and form conclusions for autonomy and other challenges


• Create, expand, upgrade, and maintain algorithms in software


• Design, develop, validate, and manage large-scale simulations and simulation tools


• Contribute to comprehensive technical reports and presentations for government customers, articulating the implications of simulation findings on national security

Who you are:  

• This position requires the ability to obtain a Security Clearance at the Secret (S) level, for which U.S citizenship is needed by the U.S government


• BS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or related field


• Good programming skills in one or more scientific programming languages such as C++, Python, or MATLAB and familiarity with object-oriented concepts


• Experience or interest in machine learning (e.g., image recognition) and scientific computing (e.g., Linux, git, bash, CI/CD, etc.)


• Strong technical writing and communication skills

Even better:

• Active Secret or TS/SCI clearance


• Experience or awareness of the defense industry


• Experience with reinforcement learning, physics-based simulation, or mission simulators (such as AFSIM or NGTS)


• Experience giving briefings to both highly technical and less technical audiences

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $93,000 - $115,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.

STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at [email protected] and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.