Principal Research Scientist – Autonomous Systems

Peraton

. Lead or collaborate with research scientists to design, prototype, test, and demonstrate autonomous systems solutions .

Posted 9/29/2026full-timeUnited StatesLead💰 $146,000 - $234,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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

Demonstrates extensive expertise in AI, Cybersecurity, and Autonomous Systems, with a strong focus on research and development. Proven ability to lead teams, develop innovative solutions, and effectively communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences.

Highest-signal resume keywords

PhD In Computer ScienceAI TechnologiesDeep Neural NetworksProposal DevelopmentLeadership In Research Programs

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Research And DevelopmentAutonomous Systems SolutionsTransformersFeature EngineeringModelingSoftware PrototypingAI Application SolutionsHands-On Development

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsPresentation SkillsCustomer Interaction

Tools & Technologies

PyTorchTensorFlow

Certifications & Qualifications

US CitizenshipSecret Clearance

Industry Keywords

DoDDARPAGovernment CustomersResearch Publications

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber SecurityPyTorchTensorflow

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead or collaborate with research scientists to design, prototype, test, and demonstrate autonomous systems solutions
Define research programs and develop innovative concepts and approaches for autonomous systems problems
Provide direction and vision for the research team
Articulate research directions that solve a broad range of customer problems
Interact with customers to understand needs
Pitch new ideas and present research results to new and existing customers
Develop proposals addressing customer needs
Provide leadership for executing research programs
Delve deeply into relevant technologies and lead development and delivery of prototype solutions
Design and prototype software to demonstrate technical concepts
Design, integrate, and demonstrate AI application solutions
Continuously learn new concepts and innovate with a technically diverse team

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum of 7 years of experience with a PhD in Computer Science or related area
Strong research background and development experience in AI, cybersecurity, and autonomous systems
Hands-on experience with relevant AI technologies, models, and tools, including transformers, feature engineering and modeling, and deep neural networks
Experience with modern tools such as PyTorch or TensorFlow
Strong communication and presentation skills
Ability and desire to quickly acquire knowledge of new subject matter areas
Experience in business development and writing winning proposals for R&D opportunities with DoD/IC/other Government customers is a plus
Experience leading DARPA or similar projects as Principal Investigator is a plus
US Citizenship required
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret or higher clearance required
Ability to travel to Basking Ridge, NJ as needed, expected at 25%
Body of research and publications in the relevant areas
Hands-on development of research solutions

Benefits

Comp & perks

Potential eligibility for overtime
Potential eligibility for shift differential
Potential eligibility for a discretionary bonus
Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law