Autonomy Research Scientist

At SoarTech, we recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an essential force-multiplier for humans. Since our founding in 1998, our core mission has been to solve the most sophisticated problems faced by the military by supporting our warfighters with advanced AI solutions.

Our technologies are developed to learn and adapt to new data and situations effectively and efficiently. We combine leading experts in research and engineering to develop unique, impactful solutions that save time, money, and lives.

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SoarTech is a leader in Department of Defense autonomy research and development. We have been either prime or subcontractor on most major DARPA autonomy programs for the last 15 years.

We have deep expertise in mission level autonomy and collaborative / swarm autonomy for air, surface, and ground domains as well as expertise in autonomy-oriented ISR and C2 and autonomy testing and trust-calibration.

We are seeking a dynamic Autonomy Research Scientist to join our team.

Job Description

Autonomy Research Scientists serve as Principal Investigators (PIs) to lead research, development, and transition activities to further support advanced research and development in autonomous robotic systems for Department of Defense S&T customers such as DARPA, AFRL, ONR, and acquisitions customers such as AF LCMC, Army GVSC, and DIU.

Activities in this area include developing new solutions addressing some of the most challenging problems associated with the development and application of AI in robotics, helping in the creation of Research and Development (R&D) proposals, leading research teams in the execution of field-based development and experimentation, capturing research outcomes, engineering accomplishments, transition, and budget oversight.

Research Scientists / PIs also publish study results as first authors or coauthors. This position requires leadership skills and personal initiative to accomplish technological innovation and creativity in support of new business development and project execution.

This position serves as the primary liaison with research sponsors.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Generate ideas and concepts (collaborating with others, both within and outside the company), to develop successful research and development proposals for external funding that align with SoarTech’s strategic mission of developing human-centered artificial intelligence solutions for the military’s toughest problems.
• Act in the capacity of Principal Investigator. This requires leading and executing R&D projects and ensuring the team remains focused on delivering innovative, quality research to meet our customers’ requirements on time and within budget.
• Collaborate with others in the translation of scientific research into engineering practice, the development of project strategy, and the implementation and execution of goals and objectives for research programs.
• Provide leadership and coordination of staff supporting R&D projects and contribute substantively to existing projects as a technical contributor.
• Stay current in areas of relevant research through reviews of the literature and participation in industry-wide forums and discussions.

Research Scientists disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications, presentations at scientific and community meetings, seminars, and other venues.

• Travel to field sites for testing and integration and other related business needs to include business development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Experience

• PhD or equivalent level experience in computer science, robotics, or autonomy.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience as DoD RDT&E Principal Investigator.
• Good communication skills, including facilitation, negotiation, and collaboration.
• Leadership, mentoring, and other skills needed to support teams and to work with subcontractors and prime contractors to accomplish common goals.
• Strong presentation skills and an ability to confidently present research concepts and technical efforts to a wide range of audiences.
• Familiarity with, and insight into, direction of the DoD robotics community.
• Ability to help position SoarTech for growth in DARPA and other DoD RDT&E funding organizations and / or position SoarTech for growth at AF LCMC, GVSC, DIU, and other DoD acquisition funding organizations.
• Familiarity with the DoD R&D and / or acquisition community players, processes, and procedures and ability to help position SoarTech for growth and long-term work in the community.
• Demonstrated experience in robotics and / or autonomy.
• Demonstrated professional maturity.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DOD) Security Clearance.

Preferred Skills (Not Required)

• Experience writing software code, as a means to better communicate with engineers as part of your project teams.
• Strong writing skills with an author publication record in peer-reviewed journals with demonstrated expertise in an established area of research interest.
• Established record of research accomplishment, including a history of obtaining significant external funding in the DoD research community.
• Experience with contracts and other legal documents desired, including experience in the federal government acquisition process.
• Experience in developing effective collaborations with academic and industrial partners.
• A general understanding of Project Management best practices for scheduling, budgeting, and risk management.
• Active-duty military experience.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.
• Prolonged periods working outdoors at test ranges.

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