Research Scientist - Adversarial AI (Autonomous Systems)

Job description:

Research Scientist - Adversarial AI (Autonomous Systems) - Job Order 3522

Location: Bernardsville, NJ 07924 (Full-Time, On-site)
Citizenship: US Citizenship Required
Salary Range: $86,000 - $138,000 (Based on experience)

Our client is a premier national security research and development laboratory at the forefront of AI/ML innovation. They are seeking a self-motivated Adversarial AI Research Scientist to join a specialized team dedicated to securing the next generation of autonomous platforms.

While much of the industry focuses on theoretical AI vulnerabilities in simulated environments, this role focuses on the physical world. You will investigate how AI-enabled systems-such as autonomous ground vehicles and UAVs-can be compromised through sensor manipulation and training data interference. Your mission is to move beyond simulation to design, prototype, and field-test solutions that ensure these critical systems remain resilient against sophisticated real-world attacks.

Core Responsibilities

Vulnerability Research: Investigate AI/ML vulnerabilities across multiple modalities (Visual, Thermal, LiDAR) and various stages of the model training pipeline.

Physical Prototyping: Devise and implement physically realizable solutions to test the AI controls of autonomous hardware in real-world settings.

Software Development: Design and prototype cutting-edge software solutions to prove out technical concepts.

Field Testing: Participate in field trials to validate research and technical designs against customer requirements.

Collaboration: Work within a small, agile team of researchers and engineers with diverse technical backgrounds.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

Education: * Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field (focus on Machine Learning research) OR a Master's Degree (MS) with a minimum of 3 years of professional experience.

Technical Stack: Hands-on experience with state-of-the-art ML frameworks, specifically PyTorch, TensorFlow, or scikit-learn.

Development Skills: Strong software development fundamentals and the ability to learn new technologies quickly.

Communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills for presenting research findings.

Compliance: US Citizenship is required. Candidates must be local to or willing to relocate to the northern NJ area (no remote work allowed).

Preferred Skills

A strong publication record in top-tier AI/ML conferences or journals.

Specific research expertise in Adversarial Machine Learning (AML).

Experience with multi-modal sensor fusion (LiDAR, Radar, Thermal).

Why is This a Great Opportunity:

This is a rare opportunity for a researcher to see their work leave the lab and enter the field. If you are passionate about "breaking" and "fixing" AI in ways that have a direct impact on national security and autonomous safety, this is the ideal environment for your career growth.

Salary Type : Annual Salary

Salary Min : $ 86000

Salary Max : $ 135000

Currency Type : USD