AI Cyber Engineer

Date: Oct 6, 2026

Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition Id 17230 

 

Overview:    

  

We are seeking a technical contributor in AI/ML research to build models and pipelines, design and implement evaluations and benchmarks, and disseminate results through publications and briefings. You will focus on work at the cutting edge of cyber and cyber-physical security. This position resides in the Emerging Cyber Technologies Research Group in the Resilient Cyber-Physical Systems Section, Cyber Resilience and Intelligence Division, National Security Sciences Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).    

  

Major Duties/Responsibilities:   

  • Design and implement reproducible pipelines for data acquisition, feature engineering, model training, evaluation, packaging, and deployment.
  • Contributes to requirements definition, design, and development of software applications in supporting the needs of projects as directed by the Principal Investigator and/or software team lead.
  • Benchmark and T&E AI/ML systems against performance metrics and robustness; define and implement measures of success for deployment-ready systems.
  • Visualize and explain complex data and model results to technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.  

  

Basic Qualifications: 

  • An MS in computer science or related discipline and 1-3 years of experience
  • Strong foundation in machine learning and deep learning.
  • Strong foundation in the basics of cybersecurity such as file and network traffic analysis.

  

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Experience using novel machine learning architectures for cybersecurity applications.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills. 
  • Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory. 
  • Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs. 
  • Active security clearance.

 

Special Requirements:  

  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.    
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.   

 

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation. 

  

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience. 

  

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts. 

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

 

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.


If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.


ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.


Nearest Major Market: Knoxville