2026 Research Engineer I – Arlington, VA / Cambridge, MA - Hybrid

RTX•Arlington, VA

2d•$62,900 - $119,700•Hybrid

About The Position

RTX BBN’s Analytics and Machine Intelligence department (AMI) is seeking an entry-level Research Engineer candidate focused on AI/ML, with a particular interest in Generative AI (GenAI) and Agentic AI systems. This is a hybrid role in our Arlington, VA or Cambridge, MA offices. The role involves working with researchers and engineers to design, build, test, and transition AI capabilities for real-world applications. Candidates will utilize software fundamentals, curiosity about modern AI systems, and an interest in applying emerging techniques to challenging mission and commercial problems. Contributions will span the full development lifecycle, including prototyping, implementation, evaluation, and deployment into operational environments. Example areas include LLM-based agentic AI systems, retrieval and reasoning workflows, tool-using agents, ML engineering pipelines, and applied research for high-impact use cases. While receiving high-level guidance from BBN/AMI leadership, the engineer will have freedom in independently planning assignments and in executing and applying technical acumen, judgment, and initiative.

Requirements

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Technology, Engineering or Applied Mathematics (STEM)
Proficiency in Java, Python, and/or C++
Academic or project experience in AI/ML, data science, or generative AI
Interest in AI/ML, GenAI, Agentic AI systems, and/or Data Science
Experience and/or interest in agentic AI systems, such as tool-using LLMs, orchestration workflows, evaluation/benchmarking, or retrieval-augmented systems
The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required.
U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with ML development workflows, including experimentation, model evaluation, and pipeline development
Knowledge and experience with Agentic AI
Exposure to frameworks like LangChain, LangGraph, Autogen, or similar ecosystems
Knowledge of, experience in, or interest in learning about the aerospace, defense, and intelligence community

Responsibilities

Work with researchers and engineers to design, build, test, and transition AI capabilities for real-world applications.
Utilize software fundamentals, curiosity about modern AI systems, and an interest in applying emerging techniques to challenging mission and commercial problems.
Contribute to projects spanning the full development lifecycle, including prototyping, implementation, evaluation, and deployment into operational environments.
Example areas include LLM-based agentic AI systems, retrieval and reasoning workflows, tool-using agents, ML engineering pipelines, and applied research for high-impact use cases.
Receive high level guidance from the BBN/AMI leadership but will be allowed freedom in independently planning assignments and in executing and applying technical acumen, judgment, and initiative.