AI/ML Research Scientist
Peraton· Defense & Federal Services· Sep 2, 2026 · 2mo ago
Basking Ridge, New Jersey, United States
In office
Full-time
Senior
$135K–$216K
6+ years exp
Job description
Required Qualifications
• Minimum of MS with 6+ years of experience or PhD with 3+ years of experience in Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or closely related field
• Expertise in machine learning and optimization techniques
• Hands-on experience with ML tooling such a PyTorch, TensorFlow
• Knowledge of LLMs and agentic AI is a plus
• Experience with modeling, simulation and analysis
• Experience with developing surrogate models is a plus
• Strong software development skills in Python, C/C++
• Proficiency with Linux, Git, Docker and Kubernetes
• Excellent oral and written communication skills (technical presentations + well-structured documentation)
• Ability to work independently, manage ambiguity, and deliver tangible outputs in a research environment
• US Citizenship is a requirement for this position
• Willingness and eligibility to obtain a Secret clearance
Preferred Qualifications
• History of peer-reviewed publications, patents, open-source contributions, or evidence of research impact in the relevant areas
• Current security clearance is a plus
Peraton Labs is seeking a self-motivated AI/ML Research Scientist with a strong foundation in machine learning, optimization techniques and data analytics to help design and deliver next-generation ML-driven modeling, simulation and analysis (MSA) capabilities. The role focuses on research, prototyping and evaluation of AI/ML-driven analytics to expedite MSA including development of surrogate models to reduce simulation run times. The role requires a deep understanding of machine learning techniques and optimization algorithms and working with simulators.
You will work with a small team of research scientists to investigate challenging problems, develop optimization and AI/ML-based solutions, software prototypes and demonstrate performance through hands-on evaluations. The ideal candidate thrives in an environment where they can independently drive technical work while communicating results clearly through presentations and written technical documents.
Key responsibilities:
• Conduct applied research on AI/ML-driven analytics using cutting edge machine learning and optimization techniques to expedite high-fidelity modeling and simulations
• Design and implement prototypes that operationalize research into usable capabilities
• Work with teammates to translate customer needs into technical approaches, balancing novelty with feasibility and deployability
• Produce high-quality technical documentation, briefings and presentations, and contribute to reports, proposals, whitepapers, and publications
• Maintain strong system hygiene: Linux-based development, version control, containers, reproducibility, and clean software practices
• Learn and integrate new tools/technologies quickly to keep pace with evolving customer needs and emerging research
Peraton Labs is seeking a self-motivated AI/ML Research Scientist with a strong foundation in machine learning, optimization techniques and data analytics to help design and deliver next-generation ML-driven modeling, simulation and analysis (MSA) capabilities. The role focuses on research, prototyping and evaluation of AI/ML-driven analytics to expedite MSA including development of surrogate models to reduce simulation run times. The role requires a deep understanding of machine learning techniques and optimization algorithms and working with simulators.
You will work with a small team of research scientists to investigate challenging problems, develop optimization and AI/ML-based solutions, software prototypes and demonstrate performance through hands-on evaluations. The ideal candidate thrives in an environment where they can independently drive technical work while communicating results clearly through presentations and written technical documents.
Key responsibilities:
• Conduct applied research on AI/ML-driven analytics using cutting edge machine learning and optimization techniques to expedite high-fidelity modeling and simulations
• Design and implement prototypes that operationalize research into usable capabilities
• Work with teammates to translate customer needs into technical approaches, balancing novelty with feasibility and deployability
• Produce high-quality technical documentation, briefings and presentations, and contribute to reports, proposals, whitepapers, and publications
• Maintain strong system hygiene: Linux-based development, version control, containers, reproducibility, and clean software practices
• Learn and integrate new tools/technologies quickly to keep pace with evolving customer needs and emerging research
Required Qualifications
• Minimum of MS with 6+ years of experience or PhD with 3+ years of experience in Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or closely related field
• Expertise in machine learning and optimization techniques
• Hands-on experience with ML tooling such a PyTorch, TensorFlow
• Knowledge of LLMs and agentic AI is a plus
• Experience with modeling, simulation and analysis
• Experience with developing surrogate models is a plus
• Strong software development skills in Python, C/C++
• Proficiency with Linux, Git, Docker and Kubernetes
• Excellent oral and written communication skills (technical presentations + well-structured documentation)
• Ability to work independently, manage ambiguity, and deliver tangible outputs in a research environment
• US Citizenship is a requirement for this position
• Willingness and eligibility to obtain a Secret clearance
Preferred Qualifications
• History of peer-reviewed publications, patents, open-source contributions, or evidence of research impact in the relevant areas
• Current security clearance is a plus
Application prep
Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.
Keywords to mirror
machine learningmlaipythondockerkubernetes
- Platform
- peraton
- Effort
- medium