Research Scientist

Peraton Labs is seeking AI/ML Research Scientists to support the development of AI-enabled products and technical capabilities for the FAA BNATCS Program. You will work closely with Labs internal Agentic AI teams in support of the Program CTO to perform analysis, build software, develop prototypes, and contribute to mission-relevant solutions. Successful candidates will combine strong software engineering and AI/ML skills with curiosity, adaptability, and a collaborative mindset. Key Responsibilities Design, develop, test, and refine AI/ML-enabled applications and components supporting Digital Command Center objectives Conduct analysis, experimentation, and coding in support of agentic AI workflows and technical products Build software using Python and other languages as required by the mission and technical environment Integrate LLMs and API-based AI services into usable tools and workflows Collaborate with internal Labs teams to move ideas from prototype to practical capability Contribute across the stack as needed, including data processing, backend logic, orchestration, and user-facing features Evaluate emerging tools, frameworks, and technical approaches relevant to AI-enabled mission systems Support a team culture grounded in learning agility, openness to feedback, and strong collaboration Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of relevant experience, Master's with 3+ years, or PhD with demonstrable applied AI/ML experience Strong software development experience with expertise in Python Experience with one or more additional programming languages such as C, C++, or JavaScript Demonstrated AI/ML experience through a record of professional work, research, prototypes, or delivered technical projects Experience working with LLMs at the API level Familiarity with agentic AI concepts, autonomous workflows, or intelligent orchestration patterns Strong analytical problem-solving skills and ability to work in an evolving technical environment US Citizenship with ability to obtain/maintain an FAA Public Trust suitability Must be local to and able to commute to one of our on-site locations: Annapolis Junction, MD; Bowie, MD; or Herndon, VA Desired Qualifications Experience with ML libraries and frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow Familiarity with Anthropic Model Context Protocol (MCP) Experience with infrastructure/orchestration tooling such as Kubernetes and Terraform Understanding of networking fundamentals and the OSI stack Experience with full-stack development or end-user product development Background in applied research, rapid prototyping, or mission-oriented software development Details Target Salary Range: $104,000 - $166,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Benefits: Peraton offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, health savings account, short/long term disability, EAP, parental leave, 401(k), paid time off for vacation, and company paid holidays. A full listing of available benefits can be viewed at EEO Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr