Job Type: Regular Machine Learning Engineer Research Software Engineers at RAND work in a multidisciplinary environment, closely collaborating with researchers and analysts from a variety of domains. The Machine Learning Engineer will work across multiple research areas developing and maintaining custom applications and data pipelines featuring generative AI, natural language processing, LLMs, and other foundation models. The successful candidate will have a strong background in machine learning, including a mathematical, conceptual, and computational understanding of deep learning algorithms and architectures. The successful candidate will also have experience training and fine-tuning models and have experience building machine learning pipelines that leverage LLMs and other foundation models. Basic Qualifications Strong knowledge of deep learning and generative artificial intelligence High-level proficiency in Python Experience in TensorFlow and/or PyTorch Experience with LangChain, LlamaIndex, or similar frameworks Experience with techniques like fine-tuning and retrieval augmented generation Background in natural language processing algorithms Cloud computing experience Experience At least 2 years of relevant experience required. At least 5 years of relevant experience preferred. At least 1 year of experience in generative AI required. Education BA/BS in Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, or related quantitative field required. MA/MS in Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, or related quantitative field strongly preferred. Security Clearance Ability to obtain and maintain at least a Secret U.S. government security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required for a U.S. government security clearance. Coding Sample Required Applicants will be required to provide Code sample(s) -related work uploaded as a writing sample. Location Santa Monica, Washington D.C., or Pittsburgh Salary Range Level II: $85,700 - $127,500 Level III: $100,100 - $152,400 Level IV: $117,700 - $179,700 Level V: $147,000 - $224,000 RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidate’s work experience, education/training, skills, expertise; and internal equity. Successful candidates will be offered employment in a specific title, as determined by the candidate's education and experience. The salary range includes base pay plus RAND’s sabbatic pay (which provides additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). In addition, RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more. Equal Opportunity Employer: race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability/vet RAND is a research organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous. RAND’s research and analysis address issues that impact people everywhere, including security, health, education, sustainability, growth, and development. Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, RAND has approximately 1,775 people from approximately 55 countries working in offices in North America, Europe and Australia, with annual revenues of $356.2 million. RAND is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and committed to the public interest. Our research is sponsored by government agencies, international organizations, and foundations. We rely on philanthropic support to pursue visionary ideas; address critical problems that are under-researched; and devise innovative approaches for solving acute, complex, or provocative policy challenges. RAND values objectivity and integrity in both its research processes and internal interactions. We emphasize a collegial environment that respects the contributions and dignity of all staff. RAND's reputation is built on quality and objectivity. RAND provides an exciting intellectual environment and opportunities for career growth. We hire highly qualified applicants and provide challenging assignments. Diversity is an essential operating principle at RAND. We look for unique backgrounds, original views, and diversity in academic training, work experience, and ideological outlook. We are committed to Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action. RAND is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact Human Resources at (310) 393-0411 or at jobs@rand.org and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.