Architect and develop advanced software systems that support cutting-edge AI research and experimental prototypes.
Collaborate closely with scientists and researchers to translate novel algorithms, models, and concepts into functional prototype systems.
Design and implement flexible research platforms that enable rapid experimentation, evaluation, and iteration.
Contribute to the development of innovative AI-enabled capabilities across domains such as human–AI teaming, synthetic media analysis, influence modeling, and agent-based systems.
Lead the design and implementation of software architectures for complex research prototypes, including APIs, data pipelines, model integration layers, and evaluation frameworks.
Build modular and extensible systems that allow Aptima researchers and external collaborators to rapidly integrate new models, analytics, and experimental capabilities.
Balance rapid research iteration with maintainable and well-structured engineering practices.
Support experimentation with emerging AI approaches including agentic systems and multimodal analytics.
Implement and integrate machine learning and AI models within experimental systems and research testbeds to support internal evaluation and integration with external systems for large-scale evaluation experiments and demonstrations.
Develop workflows that support model training, evaluation, experimentation, and comparative analysis.
Develop containerized research environments using tools such as Docker to support reproducible experimentation.
Assist in preparing prototype systems for technology demonstrations with sponsors such as DARPA, DoW laboratories, and operational partners.
Provide technical leadership on R&D projects, helping shape system architectures and technical approaches, and collaborating with engineering leadership across the company.
Work across multidisciplinary teams including AI researchers, cognitive scientists, and engineers.
Mentor junior engineers and research staff on software architecture, engineering practices, and scalable research infrastructure.
Participate in customer engagements, technical reviews, demonstrations, and collaborative research activities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, AI/ML, or a related technical field (or equivalent practical experience).
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.
6+ years of professional software engineering experience developing complex technical systems.
Strong proficiency in Python and modern software engineering practices.
Experience building complex research prototypes or experimental systems.
Familiarity with AI/ML technologies and integrating models into software systems.
Experience architecting modular software systems and designing APIs or service-based architectures.
Hands-on experience with containerization (e.g., Docker) or reproducible research environments.
Ability to work in ambiguous, exploratory environments and translate evolving research ideas into working software.
Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with researchers, engineers, and external partners.
Willingness to travel to support integration, demonstration, or customer activities.

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

Pythonmachine learningAIsoftware architectureAPI designdata pipelinesmodel integrationcontainerizationexperimental systemsreproducible research

Soft Skills

communicationcollaborationleadershipmentoringproblem-solvingadaptabilitytechnical reviewcustomer engagementteamworkexploratory thinking

Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in Computer ScienceMaster’s degree in Computer ScienceData Science certificationAI/ML certificationU.S. Government security clearance