Senior Research Scientist Artificial Intelligence Engineer

The Analytical and Spatial Intelligence Research Team (ASIRT) at Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking scientists/researchers interested in developing artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and computer vision software to solve challenging problems for the US defense and intelligence communities. We perform fundamental and applied research in many open areas, including GenAI, Agentic AI Systems, Large Language Models (LLMs), Vision Language Models (VLMs), backbone fine tuning, AI explainability, adversarial attacks and World Models. We are a close-knit team of creative thinkers from diverse backgrounds who collaborate to find non-standard solutions to challenging problems. We encourage candidates with a creative and entrepreneurial spirit who seek a research career within a stable industry to apply.  

Senior Research Scientist – Artificial Intelligence Engineer Position Highlights: 

• Research, develop, test and deploy artificial intelligence, machine learning and computer vision software.  


• Process and integrate data from different sources, including satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles, ground vehicles, human-wearables, and smart devices  


• Team player able to communicate technical results effectively to others  


• Enjoy a challenging technical career with opportunities for personal growth  


• Position is located in the Raleigh, NC metropolitan area 

Senior Research Scientist – Artificial Intelligence Engineer Position Required Experience & Skills:  

• US citizenship required (green card holders are not eligible for this position)  


• Eligibility to apply for and hold a U.S. security clearance (selected applicants will undergo a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements at the time of employment)  


• BS Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or similar technical field along with 8-10 years of experience OR MS Degree with 6-8 years of experience


• Solid mathematical background in linear algebra and probability theory  


• Strong foundation and experience using AI/ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch) and software libraries (jax, scikit-learn, hugging-face, ollama, langchain, langgraph, or similar)  


• 5+ years relevant work in software & algorithm development   


• Experience in software development in Python and C/C++  


• Experience working with AWS cloud computing  


• Experience with collaborative software development and version control (Git)  


• Proficiency in one of the following areas: mathematics, physics, robotics, sensor fusion, machine learning, computer vision or signal processing 

Senior Research Scientist – Artificial Intelligence Engineer Position Desirable Experience & Skills:  

• Experience working with AWS, S3, Docker and Kubernetes   


• Experience developing software for execution on edge devices (GPUs, mobile phones, deployed CPU)  


• Experience working with and flying Class I unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)  


• Experience writing technical proposals  


• Experience working on intelligence and DoD programs  

Who is ARA?  

Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2,226 employee-owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.  

ARA also prides itself, on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice in what happens in the company.  

To find out more about what the Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance Division has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/benefits/