AI/ML Research Scientist

Peraton•Annapolis Junction, MD

About The Position

Join Peraton Labs in advancing the safety, efficiency, and modernization of the National Airspace System (NAS) through the FAA’s Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) contract. As a trusted partner to the Federal Aviation Administration, Peraton helps deliver the systems and services that keep our nation’s skies safe and connected. We’re looking for innovative professionals who thrive in mission-critical environments and are passionate about shaping the future of air traffic management. This is your chance to make an impact on one of the world’s most vital transportation infrastructures, working alongside leaders in aviation, engineering, data science, and systems integration. At Peraton Labs, you won’t just support the mission — you’ll define it. Join a team dedicated to protecting the safety and integrity of U.S. air travel. Peraton Labs is seeking an AI Research Scientist to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. The ideal candidate will influence national strategies and policies by guiding decisions on integrating next-generation technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), satellite navigation, and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Whether you’re supporting safety validation efforts or leading teams on major FAA programs, your work will directly impact the millions of passengers and aviation professionals who rely on safe, efficient airspace operations every day. The AI Research Scientist will work with senior research scientists and managers to perform research and development of AI/ML technologies such as natural language processing and generative AI. Why This Role Matters The FAA is the cornerstone of aviation safety and innovation. As global air traffic grows and technology evolves, research scientists and advisors are essential to ensuring the United States remains at the forefront of aviation advancements. Your expertise will directly influence the safety of millions of passengers, improve operational efficiency, and guide the adoption of next-generation technologies.

Requirements

U.S. Citizenship Required.
Must have the ability to obtain / maintain a Public Trust clearance
Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years, Master's degree and 3+ years, or PhD and 0 years in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical field of experience
Demonstratable AI/ML research experience, academic research publications in peer-reviewed international AI/ML conferences are required, unless similar qualifications can be demonstrated
Expertise in one or more programming languages: C, C++, Python, Javascript
Hands-on development experience in AI/ML model building and tuning
Hands-on development experience of agentic AI
Demonstratable proficiency in working with state-of-the-art large language models at the API level (During interviews on MS Teams, candidates are expected to use VSCode to execute tasks through programmatic interactions with OpenAI tool/function calling API)
Modern software development practices and toolsets (Git, CI/CD toolchains)

Nice To Haves

Machine learning libraries, such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, etc
Anthropic’s Model Context Protocol (MCP)
End-to-end machine learning model and generative AI agent development experience
Linux, containers such as Docker, and orchestration tools such as Kubernetes
Hands-on AI/ML development experience in cloud environments, such as AWS Bedrock
Full stack programming experience
Azure cloud working experience

Responsibilities

Provide guidance and strategic direction on research initiative to ensure they align with FAA requirements and program objectives
Collaborate with leadership, research teams, and external partners to identify research opportunities, develop methodologies, advance innovations, and address complex scientific challenges.
Collaborate with leading experts in government, academia, and industry to address some of the most complex challenges in modern aviation.
Influence national strategies and policies by guiding decisions on integrating next-generation technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), satellite navigation, and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
Contribute to critical research programs at premier facilities such as the William J. Hughes Technical Center, where cutting-edge simulations and testing shape the National Airspace System (NAS).
Bridge research and operational application, ensuring innovative solutions are practical, safe, and ready for deployment across the aviation ecosystem.
Conduct and guide research and development on technologies supporting the NAS, airport infrastructure, and air traffic management.
Provide technical leadership and advisory support to FAA leadership on emerging technologies such as AI, satellite navigation, UAS, and advanced communications.
Lead or contribute to design, testing, and innovation initiatives for next-generation aviation systems.
Prepare technical reports, white papers, and presentations for FAA leadership and external advisory groups.
Participate in special programs related to environmental and energy research.
Oversee or support contractor-led research efforts to ensure alignment with FAA priorities and standards.