Torch Technologies is seeking a Junior Systems Design Engineer to join a team to assist in the design, development, and testing of Software-Enabled Weapons Technologies. This position supports the Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate, Autonomy, Navigation, and Controls Branch, Autonomous Decision-Making Section (AFRL/RWTAD) in its efforts to leverage recent advances in AI/ML and optimal and adaptive control methodologies to research, develop, and demonstrate algorithms that will enhance and enable the guidance and control capabilities for legacy and future weapon systems. This position is full-time and on-site at Eglin AFB, FL.
The selected candidate will be part of diverse systems development and research team utilizing highly technical engineering methodologies to assist in analyzing, managing, modifying, and developing software enabled weapons. The Position will focus on software and theory related to weapons applications; containerized (Docker) Weapon Open System Architecture (WOSA) -compliant with AI-swappable knowledge components or performance predictive models (PPM). Desired experience includes experience performing literature reviews, MAS control, modeling and simulation in C++/Python, and experience using PyTorch for RL/ML. The qualified candidate will be expected to have an understanding in data-driven learning with an ability to develop data driven AI tools to update PPM/knowledge components. The position will focus heavily on modular simulation and pipeline development; creation of modular environments in simulation (AFSIM) for App store. The expectation is for software enabled weapons (SEW) contractor to bring hardware and containerized software plugs into a SEW system for integration/performance assessment in Software in the Loop and Hardware in the Loop (SIL/HIL). Furthermore, the successful candidate will also assist with developing new technology investment ideas, defining the scope of work and the funding required to advance new technologies, developing taskings, and monitoring program progress.
Responsibilities:
This position requires a highly motivated individual, well-versed in Artificial Intelligence (AI) using Deep/Reinforcement Learning and Machine Learning (RL/ML) software integration techniques, or other traditional adaptive methods,In service of this goal, we are looking for full-time researchers to work as a part of a multi-disciplinary AFRL team. The successful applicant will:
- Engage with AFRL team members and participate in investigating papers in literature that focus on aspects of RL/ML problems for development of AI tools to update PPM/knowledge components.
- Create modular environments in simulation environments (AFSIM) for “Weapon App Store”.
- Create briefing charts explaining algorithms from papers to team members.
- Based on these algorithms found in literature, collaborate with team members to further develop algorithms and test in simulation; SIL.
- Collaborate with team members to transition developed algorithms to hardware and test in controlled environment HIL.
- Collaborate with team members to transition algorithms from hardware and test on range with SEW systems.
- Applicants must be a US citizen and be eligible for a SECRET security clearance. Inability to obtain and maintain a security clearance will result in candidate being ineligible for this position
- Professional, self-starter, with ability to take direction and good team player
- Relevant Bachelors degree; additional years' of work experience may be considered in lieu of BS degree.
- Ability to work in dynamic environments and support multiple users; good creative problem solver with a commitment to assisting the team in building quality software
- Strong oral and written communication skills, ability to present technical and non-technical topics to event participants (small and medium sized groups)
- Relevant experience involving software design and development and embedded system integration is required, with relevant experience in machine learning.
- Applicants should have programming experience in C, C++, and Python.
- Applicants should be creative, interested in proposing new capabilities and technological approaches, and motivated to develop new areas of expertise.
- Applicants should have the capability to think deeply and deliberately on methods to harness new or existing technologies to mitigate the effects of capability gaps for these systems.
Ideal candidates should have direct experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Current programming languages i.e: Python, C/C++, Java, MatLab, etc.
- Deep learning, reinforcement learning, Machine Learning, statistics and probability, dynamics and control systems, robotics, vision processing, or autonomous systems.
- DoD weapons and/or flight test planning.
- Advanced mathematics relating to object-oriented programming, controls, and linear systems.
- Reviewing other people’s code: Reading, Modifying, Debugging, and Optimizing.
- A working knowledge of standard office software such as Microsoft word processor, spreadsheet, database, and presentation tools is required.
- Communicating results effectively both verbally and in writing. Must be able to discuss and understand requirements/taskings in dynamic environment.
- Linux OS and GIT Configuration Management System.
Preferred Qualifications/Skills:
- Master’s degree or PhD is preferred.
- Experience using PyTorch, OpenCV, PCL, Deep Neural Networks, Machine Learning/Reinforcement Learning, embedded systems, distributed systems, multi-sensor state estimation, hardware integration experience, modeling and simulation experience, and strong written and presentation skills.
- Comfortable with other people’s code: Reading, Modifying, Debugging, and Optimizing.
- A working knowledge of standard office software such as Microsoft word processor, spreadsheet, database, and presentation tools is required.
- Strong AI/Autonomy algorithm development and implementation with industry and/or defense industry experience.
- Experience with DoD Weapons programs.
- Experience planning, executing, and reporting on science and technology research programs is highly preferred.
- Experience using Microsoft Office applications to understand, document, report, and present complex technical issues is highly preferred.
U.S. Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Security Clearance: Secret, may work with interim
Schedule: 40 Hrs/week
Work Location: Eglin AFB, FL
Travel: yes, 10%
Relocation Assistance Available: No
Position Contingent Upon Award of Contract: No
Benefits:
Torch Technologies is proud to offer a stable and professional work environment, a competitive salary, and an excellent, comprehensive benefit package including: ESOP participation, 401(k) match and safe-harbor contribution, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, Health Saving Accounts and Health Reimbursement Accounts, EAP, education assistance, paid time off, and holidays.
Applying to Torch Technologies:
Only those candidates invited for an interview will be contacted. Employment at Torch Technologies is contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check.
Torch Technologies is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected class.
