Principal AI/ML Software Engineer - Autonomy (Onsite) (Cedar Rapids)

Position Overview

Principal AI/ML Software Engineer - Autonomy (Onsite) – location Cedar Rapids, IA.

Responsible for designing & implementing distributed reasoning, multi‑agent coordination, and mission‑adaptive autonomy technologies for the Connected Battlespace.

Responsibilities

• Develop multi‑agent coordination algorithms and distributed C2 autonomy behaviors
• Apply reinforcement learning to resource allocation, tasking, and cooperative/adversarial scenarios
• Design intent‑driven autonomy functions that translate commander intent into executable behaviors
• Implement multimodal human‑machine interaction capabilities and operator‑centric mission tools
• Engineer probabilistic reasoning, adaptive learning, and intelligent data‑management components for DDIL environments
• Build and integrate distributed AI agents into simulation, laboratory, and operationally representative test environments
• Develop scalable autonomy and AI architectures spanning edge nodes, federated systems, and cloud environments
• Implement and maintain MLOps pipelines for continuous model refinement, evaluation, and deployment
• Ensure interoperability with open standards, cyber‑secure interfaces, and multi‑domain system requirements
• Transition advanced autonomy concepts into operational prototypes and mission systems

Qualifications – Must Have

• University degree or equivalent experience; 8+ years of relevant experience, or
• Advanced degree plus 5+ years of relevant experience
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, AI, Systems Engineering, Robotics, Applied Mathematics, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in AI/ML, autonomy, distributed systems, or advanced C2 architectures
• Strong background in probabilistic reasoning, reinforcement learning, or multi‑agent systems
• Experience building resilient distributed computing or edge‑deployed systems
• Proficiency in Python and at least one systems language such as C++, Rust, or Go
• Experience developing and deploying ML models using PyTorch or TensorFlow
• Familiarity with autonomy or distributed‑system frameworks such as ROS/ROS2, messaging/streaming platforms, or agent‑based environments
• Experience deploying AI technologies into operational or near‑operational environments
• Experience with autonomy evaluation, simulation‑based testing, or mission analytics
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance (Secret) on Day 1

Qualifications – Prefer

• Experience implementing explainable AI, safety‑constrained autonomy, or reasoning guardrails
• Background in human‑machine teaming, operator‑centric autonomy, or cognitive‑aware interfaces
• Experience developing AI or autonomy systems for contested, DDIL, or bandwidth‑limited environments
• Familiarity with neurosymbolic AI, hybrid reasoning architectures, or distributed Bayesian inference
• Experience with multi‑agent coordination, distributed optimization, or Value‑of‑Information‑driven algorithms
• Integration experience with edge‑to‑cloud distributed autonomy architectures
• Experience supporting advanced research programs, IRAD strategy, or technology transition planning
• Demonstrated ability to guide technical approach, architectural direction, or cross‑team autonomy strategy

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
• Generous 401(k) plan with employer matching and separate employer retirement contribution, including Lifetime Income Strategy option
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Student loan repayment program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional coverages: pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits; fertility and family planning support with Ovia Health; adoption assistance
• Autism benefit
• Employee Assistance Plan with up to 10 free counseling sessions
• Healthy You incentives, wellness rewards program
• Doctor on Demand and virtual doctor visits
• Bright Horizons child and elder care services
• Teladoc Medical Experts and second opinion program

Other Information

Salary range: $107,500 – $204,500 USD.

Location: Cedar Rapids, IA (on‑site).

Equal Opportunity Employer – All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. The company provides affirmative action for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans.

Security clearance: Secret. U.S. citizenship required and must obtain/maintain the clearance on Day 1.