AI Security Researcher at DESE Research, Inc. in Huntsville, AL, USA

Job description

• DESE Research, Inc. is seeking a talented, motivated, and enthusiastic AI Security and Safety Assurance Researcher to join a multidisciplinary team of analysts, researchers, developers, and engineers. This role focuses on constructing and evaluating risk analysis and assurance methodologies as they apply to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) within mission-critical defense systems. If you are passionate about responsible AI, risk analysis, and enhancing the resilience of military systems, we want to hear from you!
• The candidate will work as part of a small team in conducting research, developing and executing assurance methodologies, and identifying areas of risk, threats, and vulnerabilities associated with AI systems, pipelines, and components. To be successful in this role, the candidate will need knowledge and understanding of Army acquisition, emerging DoW and Army guidance; AI/ML security and safety; and assurance methodologies. A successful candidate will possess strong analytical skills, communicate effectively with technical teams and customers, and thrive in a collaborative engineering environment. This role is on-site in Huntsville, AL.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and analysis on Responsible/Ethical AI concepts, initiatives, and evaluation methods.
• Identify AI-enabled system functionality and critical components by analyzing and decomposing complex systems from documentation as well as input from engineering subject matter experts.
• Develop and apply risk analysis and assessment methodologies for AI/ML in mission-critical systems.
• Collaborate with Acquisition, AI/ML, Software Engineering, and Systems Engineering teams to ensure survivability and resiliency of warfighting systems.
• Produce high-quality technical writing and oral presentations on research findings, incorporating data from disparate sources or organizations into a cohesive narrative.
• Build meaningful relationships with researchers and stakeholders across organizations.
• Stay informed on advancements in AI risk analysis, governance, and DoW initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Data Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or a related technical discipline.
• 5 years of experience in security assurance, risk management, AI/ML governance, or related field.
• Active Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.
• Demonstrated excellence in independent research across academia, industry, or government.
• Proficiency in technical writing and effectively communicating research results.
• Strong critical thinking and analytic skills.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and adaptable to changing project needs.
• Ability to foster collaboration within a multidisciplinary team while supporting a customer-facing engineering environment.
• Understanding of AI development lifecycle processes and MLSecOps best practices.
• Experience in AI threat modeling, AI risk research, or related disciplines.
• Experience training and using Machine Learning models.
• Experience using AI observability, tracing, and evaluation tools (e.g., MLflow, Langfuse).
• Experience with adversarial testing methods and AI red-teaming tools.
• Familiarity with ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) and AI orchestration frameworks (e.g., LangChain, LlamaIndex).
• Experience with the DoW AI Assurance Toolkit or other AI policy and guidance initiatives.
• Awareness of evolving AI regulations, standards, and best practices.
• Familiarity with Army acquisition lifecycles and System Security Engineering.
• Familiarity with AI governance frameworks, standards, and controls (e.g., NIST AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF), ISO/IEC 42001, NIST COSAiS Project).
• Familiarity with ATLAS (Adversarial Threat Landscape for Artificial-Intelligence Systems) or similar frameworks.
• Knowledge of weapon systems, embedded system platforms, and AI-enabled defense systems.

Skills

Required

• Security assurance
• Risk management
• AI/ML governance

Preferred

• Independent research
• Technical writing
• Critical thinking
• Analytic skills
• Self-motivation
• Proactivity
• Adaptability
• Collaboration

Benefits

• DESE is committed to creating a company that is known for its respect and care for employees. We understand that happy employees are what keeps our business going and we strive to provide the best opportunities for each individual working on our team! Here are a few reasons you will love working for DESE:
• · Competitive salaries
• · Annual performance bonuses
• · Robust 401K profit sharing plan
• · Competitive health, dental & vision insurance with affordable premiums
• · Two different flexible spending account options
• · Company paid life insurance & Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• · Education reimbursement program
• · Personal leave for approved philanthropic activities
• · Vacation, Sick, & Holiday leave
• · Opportunities for internal promotions
• · Employee referral incentive program
• · Rewards and gifts for service anniversaries