About this opportunity
The Aerospace Corporation lists this Artificial Intelligence and High-Performance Computing Practitioner opportunity in chantilly, Virginia. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space. The National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community (IC) and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch. Special Projects Directorate (SPD), under the National Systems Group, National Intelligence Division (NSG/NID), works to meet US national priorities as part of the Aerospace FFRDC. The scope of SPD varies from unclassified to some of the most sensitive programs, providing unique opportunities for Aerospace personnel to address exceptionally difficult mission problems. We require skills in space, aeronautics, high-performance computing, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), signal processing, advanced sensing, microelectronics (design, fabrication, reliability), material processing, systems engineering and integration (SE&I), acquisition planning, and program management. SPD's unique access to data and customer missions requires the highest levels of security access and highest standards of conduct. SPD provides a unique opportunity to work fast-paced, sensitive, and specialized missions for the US Government (USG). We are seeking a hands-on, engaged, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and High-Performance Computing (HPC) Practitioner (Project Engineer - Artificial Intelligence and Data Science/Big Data Mining) for a technical role within SPD’s Applied Systems (AS) to provide technical expertise to USG Customer AI and HPC initiatives in a highly classified environment. The selected candidate will lead high-impact solutions to meet unique USG challenges; analyze AI and computing performance to inform USG and various mission partner investments; perform AI and large-scale software architecture and engineering in collaboration with other USG elements; and facilitate product deliverables. The selected candidate will draw on academic research and prior cyber, AI, and HPC experience to operationalize techniques, and translate expertise into practical, applied mission-ready solutions. This position is located with customers in Northern Virginia and requires partial on-site work.
What You’ll Be Doing
Assess technology capabilities, implementation risk and opportunities, and integration for AI, machine learning, and advanced computing
Leverage hands‑on technical expertise to ensure assessments and recommendations are grounded in practical implementation
Provide objective, non‑advocacy technical advice on the application of AI and machine learning solutions across architectures and acquisition portfolios
Coordinate with Aerospace technical experts and other FFRDC partners to ensure coherent, end‑to‑end technical insight
Work effectively in an onsite environment with the customer, as well as with other USG agencies, non‑traditional partners, contractors, and Aerospace program offices to address issues and challenges
Provide the customer with sound technical analyses, practitioner insights, and recommendations to ensure coherent, end‑to‑end technical capacity for informed decision‑making
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer - Artificial Intelligence and Data Science/Big Data Mining:
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, high-performance computing, AI, or a related STEM field
6 years of experience in the research, design, and implementation of AI/machine learning algorithms
Demonstrated experience with Python, PyTorch, C, and other programming languages and platforms
Software development skills, including machine learning engineering, algorithm design, LLM deployment, and deep learning
Fluency in Linux and operating system concepts, from the hardware layer to the application layer
Experience with CUDA and GPU‑accelerated computing
Experience with frontier AI development, from advanced LLM techniques to GPU/hardware design
This position requires a Current Top Secret/SCI security clearance and a polygraph. US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
How You Can Stand Out
Advanced degree in engineering, mathematics, science, computer science, or another technical discipline
Familiarity with Aerospace Corporation AI/HPC and data science practices, including technical evaluations and risk assessment
Experience working in an FFRDC or trusted advisory environment
Thorough understanding of the SPD Customer and the IC
Familiarity with cybersecurity tools, tactics, techniques, and procedures
Experience working collaboratively with multiple US departments and agencies
We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade‑based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills. (Min – Max ) $129,000.00 - $193,500.00 Pay Basis: Annual
Ways We Reward Our Employees
During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry‑leading benefits. Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:
Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company‑paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
Flexible spending accounts
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
Relocation assistance
Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
Education assistance programs
We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at or by email at . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.
Right Place
The Aerospace Corporation has over 26 locations nationwide, which allows us to build a workforce that will nurture the best ideas, and generate the most novel innovations and solutions to our nation’s toughest space enterprise challenges.
Right Path
Aerospace covers all stages of the space lifecycle, from concept to operations. We believe our people are our most valuable resource and that’s why we propel our employees forward in their careers through ongoing education, training, and professional development.
Right Purpose
We can all serve a mission much greater than ourselves, and at Aerospace that is exactly what we do. By hiring the industry’s most preeminent scientists and engineers, Aerospace advances emerging technologies that protect some of the most critical missions on Earth and above it.
Aerospace employees working in organizations with technical responsibilities are required to obtain a Security Clearance. U.S. citizenship is required for those positions.
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Worksite address
chantilly, VA, 22021, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.