Job Description

Description

Do you want to lead the development of hybrid AI systems that apply and combine both statistical machine learning methods and cutting-edge mathematical optimization algorithms?

Do you want to lead the technological transformation into the future of Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) and Targeting?

Are you excited about leading expert teams in training ML algorithms, developing AI agents, and developing trustworthy autonomous decision-making systems that orchestrate sensors, fuse divergent data, and make intelligent inferences in complex operational environments?

If so, we’d love for you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking a Senior Applied AI Researcher / Engineer with expertise in agentic AI, machine learning, and resource optimization to lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of next-generation AI-enabled ISRT systems. In this role, you will drive technical direction, mentor junior staff, and partner with program leaders and sponsors to advance ISR systems that leverage AI for operational effectiveness.

As a Senior Applied AI Researcher / Engineer, you will ...

• Lead and contribute to applied AI/agentic AI research and development projects, shaping and implementing new concepts in data fusion, autonomous decision-making, multi-agent systems, and intelligent orchestration of ISR resources.
• Guide teams in shaping and implementing algorithms, models, and AI systems that process and fuse imagery, signals, and other sensor data.
• Set technical direction and apply state-of-the-art AI/ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, HF Transformers) and agentic AI frameworks (e.g., Pydantic, CrewAI, Langroid) to ISR challenges.
• Oversee the prototyping and evaluation of intelligent systems through experiments, simulations, and real-world testing.
• Champion responsible AI practices, ensuring systems are transparent, trustworthy, and aligned with critical mission requirements.
• Collaborate with program leaders and sponsors to align technical development with strategic objectives and operational requirements.
• Mentor and guide junior researchers and engineers, cultivating technical excellence and responsible innovation.
• Lead the communication of results through high-level reports, sponsor briefings, publications, and conference presentations.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a Master’s degree in computer science, engineering, applied mathematics, physics, or a related field and at least 5 years of relevant experience OR a Bachelor’s degree in those same disciplines with at least 8 years of relevant experience.
• Have experience in some of the following: AI/ML, agentic AI, signal and image processing, data fusion, or software engineering.
• Have proven expertise in research and prototyping with Python and AI/ML frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, and Hugging Face Transformers.
• Have experience with agentic AI frameworks (e.g., PyDantic, CrewAI, Langroid) for building intelligent, adaptive agents.
• Have strong leadership, collaboration, and communication skills, with a record of guiding multi-disciplinary technical teams.
• Are willing and able to work a portion of the time in secure, closed areas and travel occasionally to government sites and contractor facilities (local and non-local).
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have a PhD in a relevant technical field.
• Have domain knowledge in ISR processes, systems, platforms, and sensors used by the US military and intelligence community; Navy and Air Force kill chain concepts; targeting, C2, and mission planning processes and tools; threat systems, weapon platforms and systems, and communications networks.
• Have demonstrated experience in agentic AI, autonomous systems, and systems engineering approaches for ISR challenges.
• Have experience with other programming languages like C++, Java, MATLAB, etc.
• Have expertise in applying machine learning, statistical modeling, and computer vision to large-scale or real-time mission data problems.
• Have experience writing winning research proposals, managing technical projects, and engaging with key stakeholders on AI.
• Hold an active security clearance.

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate


$100,000 Annually



Maximum Rate


$245,000 Annually

Job Tags

Full time, Temporary work, For contractors, Work experience placement, Interim role, Local area, Relocation package, Flexible hours,

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