Artificial Intelligence and High-Performance Computing Practitioner

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community (IC) and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch. 

Special Projects Directorate (SPD), under the National Systems Group, National Intelligence Division (NSG/NID), works to meet US national priorities as part of the Aerospace FFRDC. The scope of SPD varies from unclassified to some of the most sensitive programs, providing unique opportunities for Aerospace personnel to address exceptionally difficult mission problems. We require skills in space, aeronautics, high-performance computing, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), signal processing, advanced sensing, microelectronics (design, fabrication, reliability), material processing, systems engineering and integration (SE&I), acquisition planning, and program management. SPD's unique access to data and customer missions requires the highest levels of security access and highest standards of conduct. SPD provides a unique opportunity to work fast-paced, sensitive, and specialized missions for the US Government (USG).    

We are seeking a hands-on, engaged, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and High-Performance Computing (HPC) Practitioner (Project Engineer - Artificial Intelligence and Data Science/Big Data Mining) for a technical role within SPD’s Applied Systems (AS) to provide technical expertise to USG Customer AI and HPC initiatives in a highly classified environment. The selected candidate will lead high-impact solutions to meet unique USG challenges; analyze AI and computing performance to inform USG and various mission partner investments; perform AI and large-scale software architecture and engineering in collaboration with other USG elements; and facilitate product deliverables. The selected candidate will draw on academic research and prior cyber, AI, and HPC experience to operationalize techniques, and translate expertise into practical, applied mission-ready solutions.

This position is located with customers in Northern Virginia and requires partial on-site work.

• →Assess technology capabilities, implementation risk and opportunities, and integration for AI, machine learning, and advanced computing
• →Leverage hands-on technical expertise to ensure assessments and recommendations are grounded in practical implementation
• →Provide objective, non-advocacy technical advice on the application of AI and machine learning solutions across architectures and acquisition portfolios
• →Coordinate with Aerospace technical experts and other FFRDC partners to ensure coherent, end-to-end technical insight
• →Work effectively in an onsite environment with the customer, as well as with other USG agencies, non-traditional partners, contractors, and Aerospace program offices to address issues and challenges
• →Provide the customer with sound technical analyses, practitioner insights, and recommendations to ensure coherent, end-to-end technical capacity for informed decision-making

Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer - Artificial Intelligence and Data Science/Big Data Mining:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, high-performance computing, AI, or a related STEM field
• 6 years of experience in the research, design, and implementation of AI/machine learning algorithms
• Demonstrated experience with Python, PyTorch, C, and other programming languages and platforms
• Software development skills, including machine learning engineering, algorithm design, LLM deployment, and deep learning
• Fluency in Linux and operating system concepts, from the hardware layer to the application layer
• Experience with CUDA and GPU-accelerated computing
• Experience with frontier AI development, from advanced LLM techniques to GPU/hardware design
• This position requires a Current Top Secret/SCI security clearance and a polygraph. US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced degree in engineering, mathematics, science, computer science, or another technical discipline
• Familiarity with Aerospace Corporation AI/HPC and data science practices, including technical evaluations and risk assessment
• Experience working in an FFRDC or trusted advisory environment
• Thorough understanding of the SPD Customer and the IC
• Familiarity with cybersecurity tools, tactics, techniques, and procedures
• Experience working collaboratively with multiple US departments and agencies

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.