Artificial Intelligence Integration Systems Engineer

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory - Laurel, MD

Full-time - Mid Level

Laurel, MD

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Artificial Intelligence Integration Systems Engineer position at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a critical role focused on enhancing the nation's aerospace capabilities through the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into both space-based and ground-based systems. The selected candidate will serve as the in-house AI expert, providing guidance to government officials and stakeholders on the application of AI in aerospace systems. This role is pivotal in advising on the integration of AI technologies, ensuring that the systems developed meet operational requirements and align with government needs. In this position, the engineer will utilize systems engineering principles to develop, integrate, and evaluate AI-enhanced aerospace systems. The role requires maintaining a current understanding of advancements in AI and aerospace technologies, collaborating with government sponsors, contractors, and APL teams to define and refine requirements, and solving complex challenges to deliver innovative solutions. The engineer will also work closely with program management as the primary technical advisor, leading APL's efforts related to the sponsor's needs. Additionally, the engineer will contribute to the vision and strategy development for emergent efforts and future challenges, fostering relationships with primary sponsors and across project communities of interest. Coordination across APL programs will be essential to ensure alignment of sponsor-related tasks with other APL initiatives. The engineer will also work with leadership to ensure that the technical competencies of project staff meet current and future needs, while addressing technical risks and project priorities. As a technical expert and advisor on AI integration in aerospace systems, the engineer will provide guidance to teams and stakeholders, ensuring that the integration of AI technologies is effective and meets the strategic goals of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Apply systems engineering principles to develop, integrate, and evaluate AI-enhanced aerospace systems.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of advancements in AI and aerospace technologies.
• Collaborate with government sponsors, contractors, and APL teams to define/refine requirements and solve complex challenges.
• Serve as the primary technical advisor for program management, leading APL sponsor-related efforts.
• Contribute to vision and strategy development for emergent efforts and future challenges.
• Develop relationships with primary sponsors and across project communities of interest.
• Coordinate across APL programs to ensure alignment of sponsor-related tasks with other APL programs.
• Work with program and SES leadership to ensure project staff technical competencies meet current and future needs.
• Foster collaboration with line management to define and communicate project priorities and address technical risks.
• Provide guidance as a technical expert on AI integration in aerospace systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science or related discipline.
• 10+ years technical experience in Artificial Intelligence applications within complex systems.
• Highly effective oral and written communications skills.
• Ability to develop and integrate AI within complex systems.
• Ability to articulate technical concepts to non-technical experts.
• Demonstrated experience in evaluating weapons effectiveness.
• Hold an active Top Secret clearance with active SCI access.

Nice-to-haves

• Masters or PhD in Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science or related discipline.
• 15+ years of technical experience in Artificial Intelligence applications within complex systems.
• Experience working Special Access Programs.
• Current or previous experience with fire control architectures and defensive weapons systems.
• Current or previous experience with science and technology efforts supporting the Department of the Air Force, Office of the Secretary of Defense (Research and Engineering).
• Knowledge of APL's Quality Management System.

Benefits

• Generous benefits including a robust education assistance program.
• Unparalleled retirement contributions.
• Healthy work/life balance.