Job Description
ARiA is a specialized research and development (R&D) firm where advanced mathematics and machine learning meet real-world deployment. We apply interdisciplinary expertise in acoustics, signal processing, and computational modeling to solve high-consequence challenges that larger, more bureaucratic organizations are often unable to address. At ARiA, we don't just produce research; we build the technical engines that power the next generation of defense and commercial systems.
As a lean, 20-person firm, ARiA operates in an environment of extreme accountability. There is no middle management to hide behind and no paper-only roles. We seek individuals who thrive on total ownership of a problem—from the initial whiteboard concept to the final field integration. Whether you are collaborating with the Army on AI assurance or helping Navy leaders transform sonar training through high-fidelity simulation, you are expected to be the primary driver of your mission. We are a small business where making a difference means being the person responsible for the solution.
ARiA: Real Research. Real World.TM
For more information, visit www.ariacoustics.com.
Position Description:
ARiA is seeking Applied R&D Scientists/Engineers who are motivated by technical autonomy and mission impact. We are looking for "low-ego/high-agency" professionals. In our culture, this means you have the confidence to defend a novel algorithm in a room of peers, but the resilience to scrap it and start over if the data or your peer proves you wrong. Our commitment is to excellence, not our own ideas.
Success at ARiA requires the maturity to self-supervise in a fast-paced R&D environment and the grit to push a prototype through the "last mile" of field integration. We solve ugly problems where data are sparse, hardware is legacy, and the environment is unforgiving. We seek individuals who view a technical roadblock as a puzzle to be solved, not a reason to stop.
As an R&D Scientist/Engineer you will have the unique opportunity to work on projects that span from applied research efforts through to development of prototype solutions while working in close coordination with other ARiA scientists and engineers to design, develop, and test:
• numerical-simulation algorithms and software implementations,
• scientific-visualization algorithms and software implementations,
• machine-learning algorithms and software implementations, and
• signal-processing algorithms and software implementations
in support of prototypes and products such as training tools integrated with real-time physics-based simulation and machine learning(ML)/artificial intelligence (AI) tools integrated with tactical systems.
Core Responsibilities:
• End-to-End Problem Ownership: Translate raw research concepts into robust, field-ready software. You are responsible for the logic, the implementation, and the ultimate performance of the system. We do not believe in micromanagement. We provide the mission and the resources; you provide the path to the solution and the discipline to meet the standard. You will be held accountable to deliver to that standard.
• Algorithmic Resilience: Design, develop, and test algorithms that are "battle-hardened"—capable of functioning in the messy, high-stakes environments of Department of War (DoW) combat systems.
• Proactive Mentorship: Set the technical standard for the firm. While you work independently, you are expected to provide the professional gravity that pulls junior colleagues toward excellence.
• Field Validation: Lead the integration of your work into combat systems. This requires the maturity to troubleshoot in real-time under the gaze of government customers and the resilience to iterate until the mission is successful. You are responsible for ensuring your algorithms survive the transition from the laboratory to a DoW platform.
Sample Tasks:
Design, develop, and help deploy cloud-deployed software tools for data-analysis and AI assurance that will be part of a new AI platform to be used across the DoW
Develop novel neural-network based detection and classification methods and algorithms for sonar signal and information processing to be integrated in Navy combat systems
Conduct research using deep learning and numerical scattering models to understand the relevant physical features in acoustic scattering data for use in a project on remediating underwater sites contaminated by unexploded ordnance
Requirements:
Applicants selected for employment will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements, including U.S. citizenship, for access to sensitive information.
Master’s degree or greater (Ph.D. is desirable) in a relevant technical field (Acoustics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or similar) or equivalent professional experience
Appropriate experience working in the field of signal processing in radar or sonar (waveform design, detection and classification, beamforming, etc.) and/or machine learning for acoustic or image data or AI (supervised and unsupervised learning, deep learning, kernel machines, latent semantic analysis, etc.)
Facility designing and developing code in modern programming/scripting languages such as C, C++, Java, Matlab, and Python
Exceptional ability and desire to acquire new knowledge and skills to solve challenges
A track record of taking a project from concept to delivery with minimal oversight, including examples of overcoming significant technical or resource-based setbacks.
Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced professional office environment
Ability to communicate technical solutions to colleagues and customers
Superior oral and written communications skills
Desirable Skills, Qualifications, and Experience:
Knowledge of and experience with signal processing for Navy sonar systems
Experience with GPGPU programing (CUDA, TensorFlow)
Knowledge of and experience with deep learning and modern deep-learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch)
Knowledge of and experience with image processing including modern deep-learning methods
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $125,000.00 - $250,000.00 per year
Benefits:
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Relocation assistance
Application Question(s):
• This position requires compliance with Federal drug laws, even if such substances are legal in your state. Will you comply with Federal drug laws?
• Due to the nature of the information required to perform this job, U.S. Citizenship is required for this position. Are you a citizen of the United States?
Education:
• Doctorate (Preferred)
Security clearance:
• Secret (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
