Adversarial AI Research Scientist

Peraton Labs is looking for a self-motivated Adversarial AI Research Scientist with a passion for developing solutions for adversarial AI/ML (Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning). Recent research has shown that AI-based systems are highly prone to error when presented with adversarially crafted inputs, such as imperceptible perturbations added to an image. Other sources of error arise from adversarial manipulation of training data. Such adversarial actions can be used to disrupt the performance of AI-enabled physical systems, such as autonomous ground vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles. Such disruptions result in degraded performance (e.g., autonomous vehicles slowdown) or failure to accomplish a task (e.g., vehicle crashes). However, most of these effects have been demonstrated in simulation environments or assume unrestricted access to the model training pipeline, which is unrealistic. Peraton Labs is a leader in the field of Adversarial AI and we are seeking strong candidates to join our team and investigate challenging new problems in this space.

 

You will work with a small team of research scientists to investigate the vulnerabilities of AI-enabled systems in real-world settings to attacks across multiple modalities and at different stages of the model training pipeline. You will devise physically realizable solutions to determine whether real-world systems like autonomous vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles are vulnerable to attacks on their AI controls. Note that such vehicles will depend on sensors that span multiple modalities, such as visual, thermal, LiDAR, etc.; thus, for attacks to succeed, each of these modalities must be manipulated. Your work will involve research, design, and prototyping of software as well as field-testing to prove out technical concepts; you should therefore have strong software development skills and be willing to learn new skills and technologies as needed to develop cutting-edge solutions based on customer needs.

 

The ideal candidate is one who is excited at the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research in an environment where they will continuously learn new concepts and innovate in collaboration with a strong team of individuals with diverse technical backgrounds.

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of a MS with 3 years of experience, or a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field with a focus on machine learning research.
• Hands-on experience with state-of-the-art machine learning software environments such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn.
• Strong software development experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• US citizenship is required for this position.
• Candidates must be local to or willing to relocate to the immediate Basking Ridge, NJ area.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• A strong publication record in AI/ML.
• Expertise and research experience specific to adversarial machine learning (AML) is desirable.

 

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world’s leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can’t be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we’re keeping people around the world safe and secure.

$86,000 - $138,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual’s experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.