The Senior Research Engineer implements technical solutions to novel research problems while working under minimal supervision. This role collaborates closely with senior research staff to transform advanced research ideas into scalable, production-ready implementations.
- The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise, leadership capability, and experience developing AI/ML-enabled systems within integrated research environments. This position plays a critical role in translating research into impactful technical solutions and may oversee junior staff and research contributors. The position requires U.S. citizenship with active Top Secret (TS) clearance and SCI eligibility.
Key Responsibilities
Research & Technical Implementation
- Implement research solutions using one or more programming languages (e.g., Python, C++, Golang).
- Design, develop, and deploy systems using state-of-the-art engineering practices.
- Independently implement solutions addressing targeted research system issues.
- Review and provide technical feedback on implementations developed by others.
- Maintain best practices in software design, implementation, and engineering.
Collaboration & Domain Expertise
- Work closely with senior researchers to translate domain-specific needs into implemented solutions.
- Apply extensive subject-matter expertise across multiple research areas.
- Contribute technical innovations to research prototypes and applied projects.
Leadership & Mentorship
- Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers and researchers.
- Offer formal or informal supervision within project teams.
- Establish and promote engineering best practices across projects.
Communication & External Engagement
- Summarize technical progress for reports and project documentation.
- Participate in cross-group and external collaborator meetings.
- Present research and technical work to external audiences.
- Contribute to publications and conference submissions as appropriate.
Professional Development & Innovation
- Stay current with emerging technologies through literature review, conferences, and workshops.
- Identify and evaluate new technologies to support research objectives.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
- Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field
- Combined experience/education may substitute for minimum education requirements
Experience
- Minimum 8 years of relevant professional experience
- 10+ years preferred
- Extensive experience supporting integrated AI/ML systems
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in one or more programming languages (e.g., Python, C++, Golang)
- Experience with Linux environments
- Experience with Docker containers and deployment
- Experience with CI/CD workflows using Git
- Experience developing integrated AI/ML systems and model evaluation frameworks
- Experience creating evaluation datasets for AI/ML technologies
- Strong understanding of software development lifecycles
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Knowledge Graphs for large-scale inference and reasoning
- Experience with AI, machine learning, deep learning (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, HuggingFace)
- Experience in very large-scale system integration
- Proven leadership ability
- Experience working in a university or research environment
Additional Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to independently manage complex technical assignments
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
The annual base salary range for this position is $145,813 - $170,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
The University of Southern California’s Information Sciences Institute (ISI) is a world-renowned research organization at the forefront of computer science, artificial intelligence, and advanced information technologies. ISI conducts groundbreaking research in AI/ML, knowledge graphs, large-scale systems, and applied computing solutions that address complex, real-world challenges.
We are seeking a Senior Research Engineer to join our dynamic research team and contribute to the design, development, and implementation of innovative research systems and technologies. This position is located at our Arlington, VA office.
USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
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