Senior Computer Scientist

Senior Computer Scientist

Mercer Engineering Research Center (MERC), a research institute of Mercer University, provides high quality engineering, scientific, and technical support services to both government and private industry customers.

As the Senior Computer Scientist, you will be responsible for leading, designing, and performing detailed software development activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serves as internal resource on structured programming techniques for software systems.
• Leads program design reviews with customer.
• Responsible from the initial concept to design, coding, and testing to meet specifications.
• Performs analysis of algorithms and requirements for computational resources and architecture required.
• Responsible for leading a team to develop software systems, including the design, implementation and deployment of device drivers, kernel enhancements, and other essential system-level software.
• Demonstrates proficiency in multiple software languages and operating systems.
• Responsible for leading a team to perform analysis, design, software development, and maintenance tasks for highly complex systems.
• Responsible for coaching less experienced computer scientists and ensuring adherence to design and coding standards and practices.
• Demonstrates the ability to mentor and lead less experienced team members.
• Leads the development, test, and integration of code for new or existing software of significant complexity involving multiple teams.
• Remains abreast of all applicable technical advancements.
• Applies and adapts theoretical principles to develop new computer software and/or hardware solutions.
• Develops approaches to solve analytical problems and documents methodologies.
• Complies with all Executive Director approved MERC-wide policies and procedures.
• Adheres to approved MERC MSP quality management policies and principles and promotes an attitude of commitment to continuous quality improvement.
• Ensures thorough familiarity and awareness of all MERC core capabilities and remains alert for any opportunities to promote MERC capabilities and interests to customers and potential customers.
• Submits suggestions for new business opportunities or report identified customer problems or opportunities to the Director of Acquisition Strategy through a Chief Engineer/Technical Director.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• US Citizenship is required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance.
• An undergraduate degree in computer science and 9 years of directly related experience; a Master's degree in same and 8 years of directly related experience; or a Ph.D. degree in same and 3 years of directly related experience.
• 3 years of technical lead responsibility.
• Ability to obtain certification in accordance with DoD 8140 series requirements.
• Proficient using Python, Java, JavaScript, J-Query, C#, and Dot.NET frameworks including MVC, Web Forms, and/or Dot.NET core.
• Proficient using secure coding practices.
• Proficient using database design principles and Structured Query Language (SQL).
• Proficient using the agile framework and software development life cycle.
• Proficient in the development of testing strategies for components and/or applications.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proficiency in TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar libraries
• Experience building, fine tuning, and deploying advanced models (e.g., LLMs, computer vision, recommendation systems)
• Designing scalable AI pipelines, integrating data ingestion, model training, and production deployment
• Familiarity with CI/CD for models and model versioning
• Skilled in feature engineering, handling large datasets, and applying vector databases for semantic search
• Ability to interpret state of the art AI research and implement findings in production systems
• Understanding of model explainability, bias mitigation, and ethical AI practices
• Strong communication skills to work with cross functional teams and mentor junior engineers in AI practices
• Familiarization with data manipulation, cleaning and analysis.
• Familiarity with Oracle/SQL Server
• Knowledge of MLOps and tools like Docker and Kubernetes for productionizing models
• Candidate should be familiar with AWS, Google Cloud or Azure for deploying, scaling and managing AI models

Final rank will be determined on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT MERC

MERC is a non-profit research institute of Mercer University, a private university founded in 1833. Established in 1987 in Warner Robins, GA, MERC employs more than 200 engineers, scientists, professors, and support staff, who provide sustainable research solutions to government agencies, the Department of Defense, and commercial customers around the world. Warner Robins and the middle GA area are located 90 miles south of Atlanta and within easy driving distance of both the beach and mountains. The area is known for its Southern-style music, food, and restaurants and has a rich cultural and art presence, along with excellent health care and schools. MERC offers a generous benefits package including health and dental insurance, retirement, tuition reimbursement, vacation/sick leave accrual, and holiday pay.

Why Work at Mercer University

Mercer University offers a variety of benefits for eligible employees including comprehensive health insurance (for self and dependents), generous retirement contributions, tuition waivers, paid vacation and sick leave, technology discounts, schedules that allow for work-life balance, and so much more!

At Mercer University, a Bear is more than a mascot: it's a frame of mind that begins with a strong desire to make the most out of your career. Mercer Bears do not settle for mediocrity or the status quo. If you're seeking an environment where your passion and determination are embraced, then you want to work at Mercer University.

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Job Family: Staff MERC Exempt

EEO Statement: EEO/Veteran/Disability