Senior Applied AI Researcher​/Engineer – Hybrid AI - ISR & Targeting

Senior Applied AI Researcher / Engineer – Hybrid AI - ISR & Targeting

Join Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory as a Senior Applied AI Researcher / Engineer focused on hybrid AI systems for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) and Targeting.

Lead development of hybrid AI systems that combine statistical machine learning and cutting‑edge mathematical optimization. Shape next‑generation AI‑enabled ISR systems, mentor junior talent, and partner with program leaders to drive operational effectiveness.

• Lead and contribute to applied AI/agentic AI research, including data fusion, autonomous decision making, multi‑agent systems, and intelligent orchestration of ISR resources.
• Guide teams in building algorithms, models, and AI systems that process and fuse imagery, signals, and other sensor data.
• Set technical direction using state‑of‑the‑art AI/ML frameworks (PyTorch, Tensor Flow, Hugging Face Transformers) and agentic AI frameworks (Pydantic, CrewAI, Langroid).
• Oversee prototyping, evaluation through experiments, simulations, and real‑world testing.
• Champion responsible AI practices, ensuring transparency, trustworthiness, and alignment with mission requirements.
• Collaborate with program leaders and sponsors to align development with strategic objectives and operational needs.
• Mentor junior researchers and engineers, fostering technical excellence and responsible innovation.
• Communicate results via high‑level reports, sponsor briefings, publications, and conference presentations.

• Master’s degree in computer science, engineering, applied mathematics, physics, or related field and ≥5 years relevant experience OR Bachelor’s degree and ≥8 years relevant experience.
• Experience in AI/ML, agentic AI, signal and image processing, data fusion, or software engineering.
• Proven expertise in research and prototyping with Python and AI/ML frameworks (PyTorch, Tensor Flow, Hugging Face Transformers).
• Experience with agentic AI frameworks (Pydantic, CrewAI, Langroid).
• Strong leadership, collaboration, and communication skills with record of guiding multidisciplinary teams.
• Willing and able to work part of the time in secure closed areas and travel to government sites.
• Must obtain Interim Secret clearance and ultimately TS/SCI clearance; eligibility requires U.S. citizenship.

$100,000 Annually – $227,500 Annually

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory brings world‑class expertise to nation‑critical defense, security, space and science challenges. APL culture values diverse perspectives, creativity, and bold ideas. Employees enjoy generous benefits, education assistance, retirement contributions, and work/life balance.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations.