Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning Verification and Validation Engineer

We are searching for a talented, experienced, organized, detail-oriented, and highly motivated AI/ML Engineer to join our Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) and Data Curation Center of Excellence in the Information Science Division within the All-Domain Analytics and Signatures Office (A2SO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL). This team serves as the foundation for effective machine learning—building, curating, and governing the data that directly determines whether AI/ML models succeed in operationally relevant environments.

About the role

You will focus on hands-on work with classified multi-modal data, including imagery/FMV, geospatial and AIS tracks, signals and sensor data, and text-based intelligence reports. You will develop pipelines, annotation frameworks, and quality assurance processes while gaining deep exposure to state-of-the-art AI/ML research. ARL is an authorized DoD Skillbridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

Responsibilities

• Label, annotate, and curate multi-modal datasets (imagery/FMV, geospatial, signals, text/documents) to support AI/ML model development and evaluation
• Design and implement data pipelines for ingestion, transformation, quality control, and cataloging of classified and open-source data
• Develop and maintain annotation standards, labeling guidelines, and data governance processes to ensure consistency and reproducibility across projects
• Conduct IV&V of datasets and model outputs to ensure data integrity, label accuracy, and fitness for intended use
• Collaborate with research scientists, algorithm developers, and program stakeholders to identify, acquire, and prioritize data requirements for specific AI/ML projects
• Build and maintain data catalogs, metadata schemas, and access-controlled repositories that make curated datasets discoverable and accessible to the broader research team
• Employ Python, SQL, and annotation platforms (e.g., CVAT, Label Studio) to automate labeling workflows, perform exploratory data analysis, and develop quality metrics
• Document data provenance, lineage, and known limitations to support model evaluation, reproducibility, and responsible AI practices
• Collaborate within an Agile development environment as part of a large research team

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Science, Engineering, or a related technical field
• Proficiency in Python and SQL for data manipulation, analysis, and pipeline development
• Familiarity with data annotation tools and workflows (e.g., CVAT, Label Studio, or equivalent)
• Understanding of machine learning concepts, including how data quality impacts model training, evaluation, and deployment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with DoD or Intelligence Community data, workflows, or operational environments
• Familiarity with geospatial data formats (shapefiles, GeoJSON, AIS), imagery/FMV exploitation, or signals data processing
• Experience with data versioning tools (e.g., DVC, LakeFS) or data catalog platforms
• Knowledge of IV&V methodologies and quality assurance practices for data-driven systems
• Exposure to containerized development environments (Docker, Kubernetes) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure)
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the TS/SCI level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

Location

Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA or Reston, VA.

Minimum Education & Experience

If filled as R&D Engineer - Artificial Intelligence (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science and 5+ years of relevant experience.

If filled as R&D Engineer - Artificial Intelligence (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science and 2+ years of relevant experience.

If filled as R&D Engineer - Artificial Intelligence (ARL) - Professional, this position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science with no prior relevant work experience required.

Pay

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $110,520.00 - $240,960.00. This salary range includes an adjustment based on required geographic work location.

Benefits

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.