Autonomy Research Scientist

Key Skills

AI Robotic systems, AI technology, Data Analytics, Effective communication skills, Machine learning techniques

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 customers such as DARPA, AFRL, GVSC, and ONR. 

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/PI’s also publish study results as first author or coauthor. 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 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 to 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.
• Performs 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.
• Familiarity with the DoD R&D community players, processes and procedures and ability to help position SoarTech for growth and long-term work in the community
• Demonstrated experience 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 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 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.

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process, please contact Phone: 734-327-8000 or Email: careers@soartech.com.

Soar Technology is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants selected may be subject to a Government security investigation and must meet the eligibility requirements for access to classified information (eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship). Applicants will also be required to participate in a background check and drug test. SoarTech is an E-Verify participant.