Senior Artificial Intelligence Software Engineer (Hybrid)

Requisition Id 14230 

­­Due to the security clearance requirements of this position, US citizenship is required for consideration.

Overview:  

We’re seeking a highly skilled Senior AI Software Engineer with expertise in developing and deploying AI/ML solutions. In this role, you will design, develop, and implement cutting-edge AI/ML tools and frameworks that drive efficiency, innovation, and data-driven decision-making at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

 This position resides in the AI Operations Program office within the Application Development Division of the Information Technology Services Directorate. Our AI/ML models are heavily centered on Microsoft Azure and related AI cloud technologies with High Performance Computing (HPC) for on premise AI environments and Azure, AWS, and GCP for off premise environments.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Architect, develop, and deploy AI/ML utilizing AI/ML and Microsoft Azure related Power apps, including CoPilot Studio.
• Design and implement scalable AI systems, focusing on optimization, CI/CD pipelines, and model performance monitoring (e.g., LLM/GPT frameworks).
• Collaborate with business and scientific teams to identify needs, gather actionable requirements, and translate them into technical solutions.
• Lead the development of master data management systems to ensure data quality, transformation, and accessibility.
• Analyze emerging AI/ML trends, including generative AI, to shape and enhance ORNL's AI strategy.
• Advocate for the ethical and responsible use of AI, ensuring alignment with ORNL policies.
• Partner with other DOE labs and industry leaders to establish ORNL as a center of excellence in AI/ML innovation and best practices.
• Maintain adherence to software quality assurance standards and ITIL practices while aligning with project management guidelines.
• Contribute to the development of ORNL’s AI/ML tools, leveraging high-performance computing resources and AI-focused GPUs.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A BS in computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, business analytics management, applied statistical analytics, or a related field of study and eight (8) to twelve (12) years of relevant and aligned experience is required for consideration. An overall combination of equivalent experience may be considered.
  • Masters and PhD degree holders in the same fields of study are also encouraged to apply:
    • Masters’ holders should have seven (7) to ten (10) years of relevant and aligned experience.
    • PhD holders should have four (4) to six (6) years of relevant and aligned experinece.
• Demonstrated experience in AI/ML software development and deployment.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Azure (e.g., OpenAI Studio, Azure SQL, AI/ML tools).
• Expertise in Python, PyTorch, TensorFlow, and AI/ML frameworks.
• Experience designing and deploying scalable CI/CD pipelines and AI solutions.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active DOE Q clearance.
• Experience with low-code/no-code tools and Microsoft Power Apps.
• Familiarity with generative AI tools (e.g., Hugging Face, LangChain).
• Knowledge of vector and graph databases.
• Prior experience in a leadership role managing complex AI/ML projects.
• Familiarity with ORNL processes and applications is a plus.

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. 

Benefits at ORNL:

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain dedicated people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for 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 is located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and requires onsite presence.  We offer a flexible work environment that supports both the organization and the employee.  A hybrid/onsite working arrangement may be available with this position, which provides flexibility to work periodically from your home, while reporting onsite to the Oak Ridge, Tennessee location on a weekly and regular basis.

Having difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability? Please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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.

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.