Autonomy Engineer

At the SEI AI Division we conduct research in applied artificial intelligence and the engineering questions related to the practical design and implementation of Artificial Intelligence (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 (ML) 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 robust secure scalable and human-centered 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 today!

Position Summary:

As an autonomy engineer in the AI for Autonomy Lab you will identify shape apply conduct and lead engineering research that matches critical U.S. government needs. The AI for Autonomy Lab researches and demonstrates the application of AI-related technologies for improving the performance of autonomy systems. This position will have a primary focus on enhancing our simulation capabilities and applying these tools to support autonomy-related projects.

Duties:

• Solution Development: Youll work with and lead interdisciplinary teams to turn research results into prototype operational capabilities for government customers and stakeholders.
• Hands-on Prototyping: Youll conduct and lead novel prototyping in applied artificial intelligence with a focus on machine learning in autonomy and uncrewed systems (multi-domain).
• Strategy:Youll work with AI Division leaders and colleagues to plan develop and carry out an overall research and engineering strategy and to influence the national research and engineering agenda regarding future technology.
• Collaboration:Youll actively participate on teams of software developers researchers designers and technical leads. Youll build relationships and collaborate with researchers government customers and other stakeholders to understand challenges needs possible solutions and research and engineering directions.
• Mentoring: Youll contribute to improving the overall technical capabilities of the team by mentoring and teaching others participating in design (software and otherwise) sessions and sharing insights and wisdom across the SEI AI Division.
  

Requirements:

• BS in Computer Science or related discipline with eight (8) years of experience; MS in the same fields with five (5) years of experience; PhD in Computer Science with two (2) years of experience.
• This position is based onsite 5 days per week at SEIs offices in either Pittsburgh PA or Arlington VA.
• Flexible to travel to other SEI offices in Pittsburgh and Washington DC sponsor sites conferences and offsite meetings on occasion. Moderate (25%) travel outside of your home location.
• You will be subject to a background investigation and must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Department of War security clearance.
  

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Deep Technical Knowledge:You have performed extensive research or engineering activities in applied autonomy and artificial intelligence. You have worked with tools techniques algorithms software and programming languages for deep learning reinforcement learning statistics sensors and sensor fusion planning computer vision or related addition you have demonstrated applying systems engineering principles and collaborated across multi-disciplinary project teams. You have supported multiple phases of the engineering lifecycle and understand the requirements for successful deployment and operation of complex systems.
• Modeling & Simulation: You have deep experience using simulators for development ML model training and evaluation activities supporting uncrewed vehicle use cases. You understand current state of the art modelling techniques to build digital twin 3D objects and environments. You have addressed challenges related to marine land or space domains including sensor performance and collision meshes. Experience with physics-based simulators such as NVIDIAs Issac Sim is required.
• Robotics & Autonomy: You have a strong understanding of robotics principles and design techniques for air sea or land-based vehicles. You have experience applying machine learning within these domains and understand the related implications and challenges. Your experience includes areas such as sensor fusion navigation object search/tracking collision avoidance multi-agent collaboration and human-machine teaming.
• Machine Learning: You have proven understanding of machine learning principles and have experience in applying machine learning techniques to real-world problems showcasing a track record of successful implementations. You have designed and implemented complex machine learning functions and architectures tailored to specific autonomous systems. You are familiar with simulation environments and their role in training and testing machine learning models.
• System Evaluation: You have designed and conducted system evaluation activities for ML components to assess operational fit and readiness. You have experience working with model experimentation software such as MLFlow or Weights & Biases for rigorous model development and selection.
• Applied Full-Stack Implementation: You have strong development experience and can design and implement software and systems resources for packaging and managing requirements for AI and ML prototypes. You frequently use tools like Docker to manage software resources and pipeline orchestration. You may have experience building applications in cloud platforms (Azure AWS Google Cloud Platform).
• Communication and Collaboration:You have strong written and verbal communication skills and can interact collaboratively and diplomatically with customers and colleagues. You grasp the big picture direction and goals of an effort while focusing great attention to detail. You can present complex ideas to people who may not have a deep understanding of the subject area.
• Dedication:You can meet deadlines whilemulti-taskingsometimesunder pressure and with shifting priorities.
• Creativity and Innovation:You are creative and curious and you are inspired by the prospect of collaborating with premier members of the technical staff and other visionaries at Carnegie Mellon and other universities and organizations. You quickly learn new procedures techniques and approaches. You are forward-looking and can connect research and engineering with practical challenges.
• Knowledge and Learning:You possess broad technical interests along with a deep knowledge of a particular field such as machine learning autonomy and adaptive systems or data analytics.
  

Preferred Experience:

• Thought Leadership and Publications: You have a track record of synthesizing lessons learned from research or engineering activities for publication. You have a reputation for the highest level of research and engineering integrity. You have demonstrated contributions and have published research code (e.g. models data software applications) or technical perspectives.
• Familiarity with Emerging Trends and Opportunities: You are familiar with technical challenges and emerging trends in computing and information science and you are aware of opportunities in industry and government.
• Technical Leadership: You have led technical projects and have experience collaborating across research teams and mentoring other researchers.
• Proposals:You have formulated and delivered successful research and engineering proposals to funding agencies and led the resulting projects.
• Government Projects:You have worked or are familiar with Navy Marine Air Force Army Space Force DARPA IARPA Service Labs or other government research sponsors.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical prescription dental and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs fitness center access and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials we evaluate the role and responsibilities your valuable work experience and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; its about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization! Apply today!

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