Research Data & Information Scientist / Computer Engineer (AI/ML & Edge Systems)

Job Overview OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS. This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 EST, 13 November 2026.

The Information and Spectrum Warfare Directorate (RF), Information Systems Division (RFC) seeks to hire a mid-level, DR-II Data & Information Scientist / Computer Engineer in Rome, New York to research, prototype, test, and demonstrate cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) capabilities, edge software architectures, and automated data pipelines. This role focuses on developing resilient AI solutions capable of detecting data and concept drift in real time on resource-constrained embedded systems, directly supporting tactical decision advantage in contested environments.

Position Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Pioneer AI/ML Drift Detection & Model Reliability: Formulate, implement, and benchmark algorithms to detect covariate shift, concept drift, and statistical anomalies in real-time, unstructured data streams without requiring immediate ground-truth labels.
• Architect Low SWaP-C Edge Processing Pipelines: Design, prototype, and optimize lightweight, containerized ML inference and monitoring pipelines for heterogeneous embedded platforms (e.g., Jetson, embedded GPUs, SoC FPGAs) adhering to strict compute, memory, and thermal constraints.
• Autonomous & Adaptive Learning: Research and demonstrate semi-supervised learning, active learning, and lightweight continuous retraining routines that enable edge systems to dynamically adapt to changing battlespace conditions across disadvantaged communication networks.
• Engineer Agentic AI Architectures & C2 Orchestration: Research, develop, and evaluate autonomous multi-agent systems, goal-oriented agent workflows, and orchestration frameworks (e.g., hierarchical task networks, tool-augmented LLMs, consensus-based agent swarms) to automate distributed information routing, course-of-action generation, and real-time operational C2 decision support.
• Integrate Multimodal Sensor & Data Pipelines: Develop software systems that ingest, synchronize, and fuse disparate sensor feeds (EO/IR, radar, telemetry, mission communications) using advanced architectures (such as CNNs, GNNs, and transformers) to enable automated processing and rapid kill-web closure.
• Manage Demonstrations & Technical Transition: Plan and execute laboratory experiments, synthetic testbeds, and field exercises under simulated contested conditions; prepares technical briefings, reports, and publications for program offices, warfighters, and academic/industry partners.

Required Qualifications

• US Citizenship
• Ability to obtain/maintain a Top Secret clearance as a condition of employment.
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov.
• This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent will be subject to random testing.
• Applicants must be able to meet the OPM Qualification Standards of the position being filled: possess a professional science or engineering (S&E) degree, in a relevant technical field, from an accredited (or ABET accredited for engineering) academic institution.
• Applicants must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience at the next lower grade/band level (DR-01 / GS-11 equivalent). Specialized experience includes: Conducting research, design, and prototyping of machine learning (ML) models and statistical data analysis pipelines, developing software utilizing deep learning architectures (e.g., CNNs, GNNs, transformers) and modern programming languages (e.g., Python, C/C++). Deploying, optimizing, or benchmarking software pipelines on embedded systems or hardware-constrained compute platforms.
• This is an Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) position requiring Level/Tier 2 (Practitioner) certification in the Engineering & Technical Management stall. Applicants must list all completed APDP certifications on resume. Selectee will have 5 years to meet the APDP certification requirements of the position.

Desired Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computer Science or Engineering, AI, or a closely related technical field, with hands-on experimental research experience in quantum optics or integrated photonics.
• Computational Design & Simulation: Demonstrated expertise in photonic simulation tools, with strong proficiency in Ansys Lumerical, Tidy3D, or similar software for electromagnetic and thermal modeling of photonic chips.
• Layout & Mask Generation: Proven experience using KLayout (or equivalent) for GDS layout generation and rigorous design rule validation (DRC).
• Experimental & Laboratory Skills: Hands-on laboratory experience with fiber optics, bulk optics, laser systems, precision optical alignment, and fiber-to-chip coupling.
• Quantum Instrumentation: Practical familiarity with advanced quantum detection hardware, specifically Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detectors (SNSPDs).
• Automation & Programming: Strong programming skills in Python, C, or similar languages for instrument control, automated optical experimentation, and data analysis.
• Advanced Material Platforms: Direct experience working with specialized photonic platforms, including CMOS Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI), Silicon Nitride, and Aluminum Nitride photonics.
• Hardware Integration & Packaging: Proven experience with PCB design and fabrication, as well as hands-on wire bonding capabilities.
• CAD & Rapid Prototyping: Familiarity with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) for fabricating custom physical components, alongside experience utilizing various 3D printing systems across diverse materials.
• Cryogenic & Vacuum Systems: Operational experience with advanced cryogenic cooling and vacuum setups, such as dilution refrigerators, SNSPDs, ion traps, or scanning electron microscopes (SEMs).
• Cleanroom Operations: Hands-on experience in Class 100 cleanroom management and direct nanofabrication tool operation.

Telework Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework; as determined by agency policy

Eligible for a Referral Bonus? No

Series 0854

1550

1560

Additional Information Instructions on how to submit documents are provided in the automated email you will receive once you apply. Candidates with resumes longer than 2-pages will not be considered.

Requisition Number 40523

Posting End Date 11/13/2026