Autonomy Research Scientist at Accelint Holdings LLC – Ann Arbor, Michigan

Accelint is a mission-driven technology company focused on strengthening national security and supporting critical industries. We build the technologies that help operators and organizations see what’s happening, make faster and better decisions, take action with confidence, and stay ready for what comes next. Our work includes advanced sensors, autonomous systems, mission command and control software, AI-enabled training and simulation, and tools that improve logistics, maintenance, and overall readiness. 

For nearly 30 years we have supported military and civilian agencies across the Department of Defense, U.S. allies and partners, and essential industries. When you join Accelint, your work directly contributes to protecting national security and strengthening the systems our society depends on. 

Accelint brings together the talents of Hypergiant, Forward Slope, Systems Innovation Engineering, SoarTech, and Highbury Defense Group under one mission, with each entity contributing deep expertise in its domain. This role is part of our SoarTech division, which focuses on data and AI, autonomy software, and advanced simulation and training systems. SoarTech has decades of experience in AI research, including major DARPA autonomy programs, and develops explainable, adaptive technologies that enhance human judgment and accelerate mission readiness. 

Autonomy Research Scientists serve as Principal Investigators (PIs) to lead research, development and transition activities to further support advanced research and development in autonomous robotic systems for Department of Defense S&T customers such as DARPA, AFRL, ONR and acquisitions customers such as AF LCMC, Army GVSC, and DIU.

Activities in this area include developing new solutions addressing some of the most challenging problems associated with the development and application of AI in robotics, helping in the creation of Research and Development (R&D) proposals, leading research teams in the execution of field-based development and experimentation, capturing research outcomes, engineering accomplishments, transition, and budget oversight. Research Scientists/PI’s also publish study results as first author or coauthor. This position requires leadership skills and personal initiative to accomplish technological innovation and creativity in support of new business development and project execution. This position serves as the primary liaison with research sponsors.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Generate ideas and concepts (collaborating with others, both within and outside the company), to develop successful research and development proposals for external funding that align with Spartech’s strategic mission of developing human-centered artificial intelligence solutions for the military’s toughest problems.Act in the capacity of Principal Investigator. This requires leading executing R&D projects and ensuring the team remains focused on delivering innovative, quality research to meet our customers’ requirements on time and within budget.Collaborate with others in the translation of scientific research into engineering practice, the development of project strategy, and the implementation and execution of goals and objectives for research programs.Provide leadership and coordination of staff supporting R&D projects and to contribute substantively to existing projects as a technical contributor.Stay current in areas of relevant research through reviews of the literature and participation in industry-wide forums and discussions. Research Scientists disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications, presentations at scientific and community meetings, seminars, and other venues.Travel to field sites for testing and integration and other related business needs to include business development.Performs other duties as assigned.Required Qualifications:

An advanced degree, PhD., or equivalent level experience in computer science, robotics, or autonomy.Minimum 3 years’ experience as DoD RDT&E Principal Investigator.Good communication skills, including facilitation, negotiation, and collaboration.Leadership, mentoring, and other skills needed to support teams and to work with subcontractors and prime contractors to accomplish common goals.Strong presentation skills and an ability to confidently present research concepts and technical efforts to a wide range of audiences.Familiarity with, and insight into, direction of the DoD robotics community.Ability to help position SoarTech for growth in DARPA, and other DoD RDT&E funding organizations and/or position SoarTech for growth at AF LCMC, GVSC, DUI and other DoD acquisition funding organizations.Familiarity with the DoD R&D and/or acquisition community players, processes and procedures and ability to help position SoarTech for growth and long-term work in the community.Demonstrated experience robotics and/or autonomy.Demonstrated professional maturity.Currently holds an active U.S. national security clearance or be able to receive and maintain one. To learn more about the security clearance process please access this link.Preferred Skills (Not Required):

Experience writing software code, as a means to better communicate with engineers as part of your project teams.Strong writing skills with author publication record in peer-reviewed journals with demonstrated expertise in an established area of research interest.Established record of research accomplishment, including a history of obtaining significant external funding in the DoD research community.Experience with contracts and other legal documents desired, including experience in federal government acquisition process.Experience in developing effective collaborations with academic and industrial partners.A general understanding of Project Management best practices for scheduling, budgeting, and risk management.Active-duty military experience.Physical Requirements:

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.Prolonged periods working outdoors at test ranges.

Clearance Requirements

Some positions will require access to U.S. National Security information. Positions that require this access will be required to receive and maintain a U.S. government personnel security clearance (PCL). In order to qualify for this position, the candidate must be a US Citizen and either currently possess this National Security eligibility or be able to complete the investigation application process with a favorable determination and maintain that eligibility throughout their employment. To learn more about the security clearance process please access this link.

EEOC & Know Your Rights

Accelint companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, and local law. We ensure that all employment decisions, including hiring, promotion, compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment, are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. For more information about your rights, please review the "Know Your Rights" poster from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Know your Rights: English Spanish

Pay Scales & Benefits

The listed pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this position for the location for which it has been posted and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Other compensation considerations may include, but are not limited to, job responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, or other applicable factors.

Benefits include…

Paid Time Off Paid Company Holidays Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Optional HSA and FSA Base and Voluntary Life Insurance Short Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance 401k Matching Employee Assistance Program