Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Summary

We are currently seeking a Transportation Automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Specialist. This position is a part-time or full-time opportunity located in the DC Metro region (Hybrid).

Within Battelle's Infrastructure Safety & Security (ISS) Division, we support federal, state, and commercial clients in advancing safe, secure, and resilient transportation systems. Transportation Automation and AI Specialist is a senior-level role that will help define the future of intelligent mobility by applying advanced artificial intelligence and automation technologies to some of the nation's most pressing transportation challenges. The selected candidate will work alongside transportation engineers, data scientists, systems engineers, policy experts, and federal clients to develop innovative solutions that improve safety, operational efficiency, infrastructure resilience, and traveler experience across the transportation ecosystem.

Responsibilities

As a Transportation Automation and AI Specialist, the selected individual will provide technical leadership in the application of AI, machine learning, autonomous systems, digital engineering, and data-driven decision-making across surface transportation. Responsibilities may include:

Providing technical leadership in the application of AI, machine learning, automation, and advanced analytics to transportation systems
Evaluating Automated Driving Systems (ADS) and Cooperative Driving Automation (CDA) technologies, and advising on their applicability to transportation programs
Developing AI-enabled solutions for transportation operations, safety, mobility, infrastructure management, and asset management
Developing AI governance frameworks addressing transparency, explainability, ethics, privacy, bias mitigation, and responsible AI use
Designing and evaluating AI models supporting deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO), connected vehicle technologies, and digital infrastructure
Supporting research, development, testing, evaluation, and deployment of transportation automation technologies
Assessing emerging AI technologies and advising on their applicability to transportation systems and programs
Performing technology assessments, market analyses, and strategic planning related to transportation automation
Supporting digital transformation initiatives within transportation agencies
Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams including transportation engineers, software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists, and systems engineers
Supporting proposal development, business development, and client engagement activities
Preparing technical reports, strategic plans, research publications, white papers, and client presentations
Representing the organization at technical conferences, standards committees, and industry working groups

Key Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Transportation Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, or a related technical discipline
10+ years of professional experience in transportation technology, intelligent transportation systems, AI, automation, robotics, or advanced transportation research
Active Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
Experience applying AI and machine learning techniques to complex operational environments
Knowledge of Transportation System Management and Operations (TSMO), Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), and related transportation programs
Experience with data analytics, predictive modeling, and decision support systems
Demonstrated ability to work directly with government and industry clients
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Applicants must have authorization to work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of any employment Visa at this time.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in a relevant technical field
Experience supporting the U.S. Department of Transportation, state Departments of Transportation, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), automotive OEMs, or technology companies developing automated mobility solutions
Working knowledge of AI and machine learning techniques, including machine learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, large language models (LLMs), generative AI, computer vision, natural language processing, predictive analytics, digital twins, agentic AI and autonomous agents, explainable AI (XAI), and AI governance and responsible AI frameworks
Familiarity with transportation automation technologies, including Automated Driving Systems (ADS), Cooperative Driving Automation (CDA), and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communications

Compensation Data

Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $154,500 – $220,200 per year, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life
We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off—giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.
Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed
For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.

You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment
Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
Give back to and improve our communities

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols

Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).

Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.

For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers

Trasportation Automation & Artificial Intelligence Specialist

About the Role

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