Principal Physical AI Distributed Systems Researcher

RTI International

Principal Physical AI Distributed Systems Researcher innovating solutions at Real-Time Innovations. Drive AI coding and architectures for secure distributed systems together with a talented research team.

Posted 7/25/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in distributed systems, physical agentic AI, and research project management, with a strong focus on innovation and collaboration in a distributed team environment. Proven ability to communicate technical innovations effectively through publications and presentations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Ph.D. In Computer ScienceDistributed Systems ResearchResearch Proposal WritingAI-Assisted Software DevelopmentResearch Project Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Programming SkillsElectromechanical SystemsIntelligent SystemsAutonomous SystemsComputer NetworkingExperimental ThesisTechnical CommunicationResearch PublicationsProposal WritingProject Management

Soft Skills

Excellent Written CommunicationTeam Engagement

Industry Keywords

U.S. Person RequirementResearch ContractsTechnical InnovationsCustomer TrialsProduct Management

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Distributed Systems

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Innovate new solutions that will form the foundation of secure, adaptable, and fast distributed systems.
Work with the business-development team to define research areas of interest and define interesting research proposal topics.
Compose research proposals and report progress to research sponsors.
Execute and lead research contracts to push our technology forward.
Serve as Principal Investigator and/or Staff Member on externally-funded research contracts.
Actively interface with research project sponsors, customers, research partners, and prospects.
Develop expertise in emerging technology and share your insights across RTI.
Communicate technical innovations through papers and presentations.
Support the transition of promising technical innovations to product including customer trials, coordinating with product management, and working closely with the engineering team to design, develop, test and support this transition.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering or related field. Appropriate research expertise includes electromechanical, intelligent or autonomous systems, distributed systems, physical agentic AI, or computer networking.
An experimental thesis or real-world experience with physical applications or distributed systems research.
Excellent written communications skills, and evidence of research publications. Experience writing and winning proposals, and research project management.
Solid programming skills and experience with AI-assisted software development.
Ability to work successfully / actively engage with a highly distributed team.
US Person requirement *Due to applicable laws, government regulations and contract specifications, we are required to fill this position only with an individual who qualifies as a "U.S. Person."

Benefits

Comp & perks

Flexible working schedule.
Remote working + Home Office Stipend to cover the costs of working from home.
Flexible Paid Time Off + “Real Vacation Bonus,” an additional bonus for taking more than 1-week of uninterrupted vacation.
Competitive compensation including annual bonus based on individual and company performance.
We recognize employees for their achievements, offer great opportunities for career growth and development, and provide the tools they need to succeed.