Artificial Intelligence and High-Performance Computing Practitioner

The Aerospace Corporation•Chantilly, VA

12d•$129,000 - $193,500•Hybrid

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space. The National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community (IC) and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch. Special Projects Directorate (SPD), under the National Systems Group, National Intelligence Division (NSG/NID), works to meet US national priorities as part of the Aerospace FFRDC. The scope of SPD varies from unclassified to some of the most sensitive programs, providing unique opportunities for Aerospace personnel to address exceptionally difficult mission problems. We require skills in space, aeronautics, high-performance computing, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), signal processing, advanced sensing, microelectronics (design, fabrication, reliability), material processing, systems engineering and integration (SE&I), acquisition planning, and program management. SPD's unique access to data and customer missions requires the highest levels of security access and highest standards of conduct. SPD provides a unique opportunity to work fast-paced, sensitive, and specialized missions for the US Government (USG). We are seeking a hands-on, engaged, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and High-Performance Computing (HPC) Practitioner (Project Engineer - Artificial Intelligence and Data Science/Big Data Mining) for a technical role within SPD’s Applied Systems (AS) to provide technical expertise to USG Customer AI and HPC initiatives in a highly classified environment. The selected candidate will lead high-impact solutions to meet unique USG challenges; analyze AI and computing performance to inform USG and various mission partner investments; perform AI and large-scale software architecture and engineering in collaboration with other USG elements; and facilitate product deliverables. The selected candidate will draw on academic research and prior cyber, AI, and HPC experience to operationalize techniques, and translate expertise into practical, applied mission-ready solutions. This position is located with customers in Northern Virginia and requires partial on-site work.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, high-performance computing, AI, or a related STEM field
6 years of experience in the research, design, and implementation of AI/machine learning algorithms
Demonstrated experience with Python, PyTorch, C, and other programming languages and platforms
Software development skills, including machine learning engineering, algorithm design, LLM deployment, and deep learning
Fluency in Linux and operating system concepts, from the hardware layer to the application layer
Experience with CUDA and GPU-accelerated computing
Experience with frontier AI development, from advanced LLM techniques to GPU/hardware design
Current Top Secret/SCI security clearance and a polygraph
US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in engineering, mathematics, science, computer science, or another technical discipline
Familiarity with Aerospace Corporation AI/HPC and data science practices, including technical evaluations and risk assessment
Experience working in an FFRDC or trusted advisory environment
Thorough understanding of the SPD Customer and the IC
Familiarity with cybersecurity tools, tactics, techniques, and procedures
Experience working collaboratively with multiple US departments and agencies

Responsibilities

Assess technology capabilities, implementation risk and opportunities, and integration for AI, machine learning, and advanced computing
Leverage hands-on technical expertise to ensure assessments and recommendations are grounded in practical implementation
Provide objective, non-advocacy technical advice on the application of AI and machine learning solutions across architectures and acquisition portfolios
Coordinate with Aerospace technical experts and other FFRDC partners to ensure coherent, end-to-end technical insight
Work effectively in an onsite environment with the customer, as well as with other USG agencies, non-traditional partners, contractors, and Aerospace program offices to address issues and challenges
Provide the customer with sound technical analyses, practitioner insights, and recommendations to ensure coherent, end-to-end technical capacity for informed decision-making

Benefits

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
Flexible spending accounts
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
Relocation assistance
Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
Education assistance programs
An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect