Computer Systems Researcher (AI/Machine Learning Research) - Mid to Experienced Level (Maryland)

National Security Agency/Central Security Service • Fort Meade, MD

21h • Onsite

About The Position

NSA is seeking Computer Science professionals to tackle complex problems, explore innovative approaches, and research new methods for storing, manipulating, and presenting information. The role involves applying computer science expertise to projects focused on creating new standards for information transformation, developing cutting-edge technologies and tools, and contributing to innovations that protect national security interests. NSA Research Scientists are at the forefront of advancing artificial intelligence, machine learning, human-machine teaming, software reverse engineering, data science, novel architectures, cyber security, high performance computing, and computational linguistics. They generalize mission problems, push the boundaries of scientific knowledge, and collaborate with other NSA organizations to deliver solutions to mission users and decision-makers. Opportunities include collaborating with the scientific community, academia, industry, and other government laboratories; publishing research; transferring technology through open source releases and public-private partnerships; serving as faculty at local universities; and participating in STEM outreach activities. The ideal candidate will possess sound judgment, strong technical skills, the ability to work both independently and in a team, and excellent communication skills. A proven track record in analyzing and solving technical problems with innovative solutions, and successfully translating research ideas into prototype systems, is also preferred.

Requirements

• Relevant experience in one or more of the following: computer systems research, simulation/model development and prototyping, software design, programming, computational science, algorithm analysis and design, reverse engineering, designing/developing computer or information systems, including engineering hardware or software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, visualization, human-computer interaction, data science, or high performance computing.
• Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience OR Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience OR Doctoral degree and no experience (for Full Performance level).
• Bachelor's degree plus 6 years of relevant experience OR Master's degree plus 4 years of relevant experience OR Doctoral degree plus 2 years of relevant experience (for Senior level).
• An Associate's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience may be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position (for Full Performance level).
• An Associate's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience may be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position (for Senior level).
• Degree must be in Computer Science (CS) or Computer Engineering (CE).
• Other STEM fields (e.g., Engineering, Mathematics, or Information Systems (IS)) may be considered relevant if the programs contain, at minimum, a concentration of courses in algorithms; computer architecture (not network architecture); programming methodologies and languages; data structures; logic and computation; and advanced mathematics (for example, calculus, discrete mathematics).
• Upload a copy of your transcripts from all schools attended, prior to applying for this position.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated sound judgement
• Strong technical skills
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic team environment, as well as independently
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proven track record of analyzing and solving technical problems with innovative solutions
• Demonstrated success in conducting Computer Science research to include turning research ideas into running prototype-grade systems

Responsibilities

• Conducting scientific experiments, documenting results, and communicating with colleagues, customers, and decision makers
• Training, testing, and deploying machine learning models
• Applying software engineering principles to design and/or develop software applications
• Designing and optimizing algorithms, data structures, modeling, and analytics to solve real-world scientific problems
• Using principles, techniques, procedures, and tools to architect and facilitate the development of hardware solutions
• Developing methods and applications for tools to exploit and analyze computer systems and network vulnerabilities
• Modeling, simulating, prototyping, and/or benchmarking high performance computing systems
• Developing and implementing approaches to increase the productivity and/or efficiency of high performance computers
• Investigating and validating the security properties claimed by confidential computing mechanisms and architectures
• Advancing the understanding and capabilities for flexible, layered integrity measurement and attestation architectures and mechanisms
• Research, design, and prototype novel approaches to operating system, hypervisor, or firmware security
• Applying machine learning models to perform enhanced monitoring and anomaly detection on embedded systems' network communications to include IoT devices using Bluetooth and other wireless IoT protocols
• Transitioning state-of-the-art AI/ML research from proofs-of-concept to production-grade systems capable of processing exascale multimodal data streams
• Developing "efficient AI" techniques, including quantization, pruning, and distillation, to deploy sophisticated models in resource-constrained or highly secure environments, i.e., edge
• Researching methods for AI safety, robustness against adversarial attacks, and formal verification of neural network behaviors in critical mission security contexts

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Federal employee benefits (range of benefits designed to make your federal career very rewarding)
• Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level