AI / ML Research Scientist - Adversarial AI

Introduction

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.

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.

Requirements

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: ship 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)