AI Software Engineer (Hybrid Eligible)

We’re hiring an AI Software Engineer to design, develop, and deploy AI/ML tools and analytics that enhance business operations and scientific decision-making at ORNL. This position resides in the AI Operations Program office within the Application Development Division of the Information Technology Services Directorate.

About the role

Our AI/ML models are heavily centered on Microsoft Azure and related AI cloud technologies, with High Performance Computing (HPC) for on-premise AI environments and Azure, AWS, and GCP for off-premise environments.

Responsibilities

• Development and support of models utilizing AI/ML and Microsoft Azure, Google Vertex AI, AWS Bedrock.
• Collaboration with business and classified business and scientific/technical stakeholders to understand needs and gather detailed actionable requirements at the highest security levels.
• Analysis of emerging trends and technologies to provide recommendations for roadmaps and AI strategy, including Generative AI and ML techniques and solution methods.
• LLM/GPT CI/CD pipelines and diagnostic monitoring for clients or set up for client self-monitoring.
• Ethical and responsible use of AI in line with ORNL policy and guidelines.
• Collaboration with other DOE labs and private sector companies to understand and mature ORNL capabilities.
• Help ORNL become the Go-To DOE lab for AI/ML best practices across lab domains.
• Adherence to ORNL and ITSD software quality assurance standards and ITIL effective practices.
• Support of and adherence to ORNL and ITSD project management requirements and guidance for researchers and general users of AI models within ORNL guidelines.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

Requirements

• 1-2 years of recent AI experience including agentic work experience, workflows, and development of agent fleets to accomplish specific tasks.
• A BS in computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, or a related field and a minimum of 5 years total relevant AI/ML experience (an overall combination of equivalent experience may be considered).
• Experience developing and deploying AI/ML solutions in cloud and/or on-prem, including classified and secure environments (gathering requirements, designing solutions, and delivering results).
• Familiarity with modern AI/ML tools and platforms such as:
  • Azure AI services (e.g., Azure OpenAI, Azure SQL) or similar cloud tools.
  • OpenAI APIs, Microsoft Azure AI Foundry, Google Vertex AI, AWS Bedrock, Hugging Face, LangChain, GitHub, GitLab, or other LLM frameworks.
• Experience working with data models, reporting solutions, or analytics environments.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a related field (Master’s degree with 4 years of experience).
• Active DOE Q clearance, DoD TS with SCI and Poly.
• Understanding of multidimensional and tabular modeling, vector databases, Graph DB.
• Experience using Microsoft Visual Studio or Visual Studio Code, Python, PyTorch, TensorFlow.
• Two to three years of experience leading group projects and programs with current AI/ML, Data Science, or Data Analytic tools, including using and teaching low-code/no-code skills to others.
• Knowledge of current ORNL business processes and applications (or similar) is a bonus.
• Knowledge of Microsoft SharePoint technologies is a bonus.
• A curious, problem-solving mindset with the ability to learn and adapt in a fast-moving space.
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a project-based team.
• Strong communication skills and a focus on delivering value to customers and end users.

Special Requirements

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy.
• This position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position (passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program is required).

Schedule

This position is located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and requires onsite presence. A hybrid/onsite working arrangement may be available, providing flexibility to work periodically from home while reporting onsite to the Oak Ridge location on a weekly and regular basis.

Benefits

• Prescription Drug Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Contributory Pension Plan
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Generous Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Educational Assistance
• Relocation Assistance
• Employee Discounts
• On-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities