Autonomy Engineer

## What We Do 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. ## Responsibilities • Solution Development: You’ll work with and lead interdisciplinary teams to turn research results into prototype operational capabilities for government customers and stakeholders. • Hands-on Prototyping: You’ll conduct and lead novel prototyping in applied artificial intelligence with a focus on machine learning in autonomy and uncrewed systems (multi-domain). • Strategy: You’ll 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: You'll actively participate on teams of software developers, researchers, designers, and technical leads. You'll build relationships and collaborate with researchers, government customers, and other stakeholders to understand challenges, needs, possible solutions, and research and engineering directions. • Mentoring: You'll 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 SEI's 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. ## Nice to Have • Experience with physics-based simulators such as NVIDIA’s Isaac Sim. • Experience with marine, land, or space domains including sensor performance and collision meshes. • Experience with multi-agent collaboration and human-machine teaming. ## Benefits • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI and autonomy research for national security. • Collaborative and innovative work environment. • Potential for leadership and influence on national research agendas.