At the SEI AI Division, we conduct research in applied artificial intelligence and the engineering challenges related to the practical design and implementation of AI technologies and systems. We currently lead a community-wide movement to mature the discipline of AI Engineering for Defense and National Security.  

As our government customers adopt AI and machine learning to provide leap-ahead mission capabilities, we  

• Build real-world, mission-scale AI capabilities through solving practical engineering problems 

• Discover and define the processes, practices, and tools to support operationalizing AI for human-centered, robust, secure, and scalable mission capabilities 

• Prepare our customers to be ready for the unique challenges of adopting, deploying, using, and maintaining AI capabilities 

• Identify and investigate emerging AI and AI-adjacent technologies that are rapidly transforming the technology landscape 

Are you creative, curious, and collaborative? Do you enjoy doing meaningful and complex work? Are you interested in making a difference by bringing innovation to government organizations and beyond? Apply to join our team. 

Position Summary:  As a senior research scientist with proven expertise in advanced computing, you will identify, shape, apply, conduct, and lead research in support of critical U.S. government needs. 

The ideal candidate will have a strong background with hands-on experience in one or more of the following technology areas: hardware/software co-design, performance optimization with heterogeneous and alternative computing systems (CPU/GPU/NPU/etc.), FPGA design, high-performance computing (HPC), distributed and scalable computing, compiler technology, and algorithm optimization. Additional expertise in applying AI/ML to electromagnetic spectrum operations is desired. 

Duties 

• Lead novel research in advanced computing and applied machine learning.  

• Lead interdisciplinary teams to turn research results into prototype operational capabilities for government customers and stakeholders.  

• Conduct rapid prototyping to demonstrate and evaluate technologies in relevant environments. 

• Test and evaluate new and novel systems for performance and usability. 

• Collaborate with researchers, developers, engineers, designers, technical leads, campus labs, and our government customers to understand challenges, needs, and potential solutions. 

• Mentor and teach junior staff, lead design sessions, and establish technical norms for the division. 

• Explore the latest in advanced hardware, including FPGAs, CGRAs, TPUs, and emergent technologies such as neuromorphic and analog processors. 

• Work with division leadership and colleagues to plan, develop, expand, and carry out an overall research strategy, and influence the national research agenda regarding future technology. 

• Develop and deliver compelling technical presentations for diverse audiences, tailor content for varied stakeholders, speak at conferences and workshops, and publish in pertinent peer-reviewed journals. 

Requirements 

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline with ten (10) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with eight (8) years of experience; OR PhD with five (5) years of experience. 
   

• You must be able and willing to work onsite 5 days per week at our Pittsburgh offices.

• Able to travel to the Arlington SEI office, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings on occasion. Moderate (25%) travel outside of your home location. 

• You will be subject to a background check investigation and will need to obtain and maintain a Department of War security clearance. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• A published track record of conducting research and applying scientific methods.  

• Mastery of C/C++, Python, Verilog/VHDL, and/or other pertinent languages and software tools and frameworks. 

• Experience leading research projects and collaborating across research teams and mentoring other researchers.  

• Experience writing and delivering successful research proposals to funding agencies and leading the resulting projects.  

• Experience working with Department of War and Intelligence Community. 

• Familiarity with emerging trends and opportunities in industry and government.