Principal Technologist

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is expanding its capabilities in the areas of Physics informed AI/ML and is looking for a seasoned thought and business leader who can bring with her/him significant opportunities for growth and expansion.
S/he will build out the ARA portfolio of technology solutions in the areas of signal processing, Physics informed Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Software Development by providing leadership in business development, technology development and R&D. S/he will work hand-in-hand with peers and other leaders to develop comprehensive solutions to problems of national impact. S/he will also have a deep technical knowledge in her/his chosen areas of expertise and will serve as the internal SME for multiple technology areas. S/he will daily live and exemplify ARA's values of passion, freedom, service, and growth.
The successful candidate will have a day-one plan for seeking out new business opportunities and will have her/his hand on the pulse of the key challenges faced by customers. To this end, s/he will have extensive client-facing project experience with the Department of Defense (DoD) and/or commercial customers.
What you'll do as a Principal Technologist:

• Establish and grow the business areas of scientific solutions using AI/ML at ARA.
• Participate and lead proposals, RFIs, RFPs and lead the charge in business development in the areas of AI/ML
• Develop and deliver the software solutions for science-informed AI/ML technologies.
• Hire talent and build an agile team of talented R&D engineers and software developers.
• Perform business development (BD) and management (e.g., teamwork, organization, and personnel)
• Work with a unique group of highly skilled and experienced mathematicians, physicists, RF/antennas engineers, and computer scientists to solve complex, large-scale problems in a quickly growing, highly innovative field.
• Participate in marketing, developing, and writing proposals.

Requirements for a Principal Technologist:

• Master's or PhD in Physics, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline (10-13 years' experience). Minimum 4 years in a management capacity.
• Proven business development experience - with a history of having taken DoD/commercially funded programs from proposal to delivery.
• Extensive client facing project experience with DoD and/or commercial customers.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing large programs in the areas of AI/ML.
• Demonstrated expertise in AI/ML methods and concepts.
• Subject-Matter Expert (SME) in Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning or related field.
• Demonstrated experience in building a sustainable and revenue-generating software product and organization, including people, systems, processes, tools, and products, from the ground-up.
• Demonstrated experience in end-to-end business management - including strategy, deployment, R&D, engineering, external partnerships and sourcing, product delivery and commissioning, post-sales support, and financial metrics.
• Requires little to no supervision in developing a milestone schedule or work plan to achieve the final task objectives in a timely manner.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and motivating a team of talented engineers, developers, and scientists.
• Proactive with a problem-solving mentality - ability to make decisions with limited information and pivot on those decisions as new information is available.
• Communication skills: ability to clearly articulate progress or tasks in technical reports and develop technical presentations.
• The ability to work and collaborate with other engineers and scientists.

Preferences for a Principal Technologist:

• Experience building enterprise grade software solutions for technology problems.
• Working knowledge of Python, Linux, and C/C++
• Working knowledge of popular machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch and TensorFlow.
• Working knowledge of parallel processing and high-performance computers (HPC).

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2000 professionals. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.
At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company's success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, "Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit" sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com.
Applicants need to apply at www.careers.ara.com for the Principal Technologist's position, Job Code: PRINC007462.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)