Senior Software Engineer, Advanced AI Research – Prototyping

Job Description: • 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. Benefits: