AI Research Scientist, Slingshot Aerospace
Applied AI
$120-170k
+ Equity
More information about location
Space data solution
Be an early applicant
Space data solution
101-200 employees
Be an early applicant
$120-170k
+ Equity
More information about location
101-200 employees
Company mission
To make space safe and secure by closing the loop from observation to decision to execution.
Role
Who you are
- Must have an Active US Security Clearance (Secret Minimum, Top Secret Preferred) US Security Clearances
- Masters in related field + Minimum of 2 years' experience in similar role (or PhD with relevant research projects)
- AI/ML expertise
- Demonstrable experience in the application of AI/ML methodologies including, but not limited to, deep learning, generative models (e.g. LLMs, diffusion models), agentic systems, reinforcement learning, computer vision, or other emerging areas of AI research
- Software development experience
- Familiarity with object-oriented paradigms and functional programming principles
- Expertise in at least one modern high-level programming language (e.g. Python, R, C++, Java)
- Collaborative source code management and maintenance processes (e.g. Github, code reviews, CI/CD)
- Ability to work within multi-disciplinary teams in a fast-paced, evolving operational environment that spans military, government, and industry partners
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Passion for Space and AI/ML applications
Desirable
- Experience with fine-tuning LLMs, prompt engineering, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and domain adaptation for scientific/engineering datasets using modern ML frameworks and model hubs
- Familiarity with Reinforcement Learning (RL) and multi-agent reinforcement learning to enable training agents that learn strategies in simulation and real-world contexts
- Practical understanding of neural networks, transformer architectures, attention mechanisms, and optimization methods to extend or fine-tune transformer-based models
- Experience building reusable internal tools (connectors, simulation frameworks, evaluation harnesses) to refine simulation-based datasets for AI agent training in support of research, data-driven insights/analytics, and model development
- Hands-on experience supporting the development and deployment of supervised and/or unsupervised learning models
- One or more peer reviewed articles, conference papers, and/or presentations in a science or engineering discipline
- Demonstrable combined experience indicative of skillsets required to utilize APIs, microservices, and workflows that merge physics simulation engines with AI training pipelines
- Familiarity with common agentic protocols (MCP, A2A, etc...)
- Practical working experience with physics-based simulation, and statistical methods (e.g. monte Carlo methods, probabilistic modeling, and Bayesian methods)
- Working knowledge of parallel computing, GPU acceleration, and performance optimization for simulations and training workloads
- Experience with space and astrodynamics is valuable but not required
What the job involves
- As an AI Research Scientist, you will join the AI and Innovation department within Slingshot’s Technology organization
- You will contribute directly to Slingshot’s vision to accelerate space sustainability and create a safer, more connected world
- You will participate in the identification, development, and integration of novel algorithms and models, leveraging diverse data streams and advanced intelligence engines, and the subsequent integration of those technologies into prototypes and broader AI systems across the Slingshot platform
- Engage in relevant research and development (R&D) of AI systems, models, and advanced machine learning algorithms that augment physics-driven modeling and simulation systems
- Explore and implement AI-powered simulation tooling in support of AI workflows through reinforcement learning, multi-agent systems, and hybrid modeling approaches
- Collaborate with research, engineering, and product teams to build AI-powered solutions that meet mission-critical modeling and decision-support needs
- Engage in and support the drafting and review of conference and journal articles and presentations, sharing advances with both internal stakeholders and the wider research community
- Contribute content to technical invention disclosures, including associated narrative, graphics, and engagements in support of patent development
- Perform additional responsibilities (no more than 10% of duties) in support of the company’s technology and product development initiatives
Our take
Despite years of research and exploration, we are still limited in what we know about space. Slingshot Aerospace is a company looking to deepen the understanding of space through advanced analytics, machine learning, computer vision and collaborative tools.
With the growing number of satellites, vast amounts of orbital debris and more nations competing for superiority, the space domain is only getting more complex. Slingshot therefore has bolstered its capabilities through acquisitions which granted it access to a satellite and launch database and optical sensing network for satellite tracking.
Substantial funding has supported the company's ongoing project to create a "digital space twin", and its progress is increasingly being recognized at the highest levels. Most recently, it was named on Fast Company's list of the World's Most Innovative Companies for 2026, highlighting both its technical ambition and real-world impac.t Already working closely with organizations such as NASA and the US Air Force, the company is truly cementing its role as a critical player in the evolving space domain.
Freddie
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Company
Funding (last 2 of 9 rounds)
Jan 2025
$1.9m
GRANT
Sep 2024
$30m
GROWTH EQUITY VC
Total funding: $115.1m
Company benefits
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan to support long-term savings
- Flexible PTO to recharge and stay balanced
- Stock options for long-term alignment and ownership
- Remote-first culture with offices in Windsor, CO and Cornwall, UK
Company HQ
El Segundo, CA
Leadership
Tim Solms
(CEO & Board Director)Alongside serving as Slingshot Aerospace's CEO, Tim is a Chairman on the Board of Directors at 4C Strategies and a President on the Board of Directors at HondaJet Owners and Pilots Association. Prior to joining Slingshot in 2024, he was an EVP & GM of the Public Sector at Dun & Bradstreet.
Scott Humphrys
(COO)Prior to joining Slingshot Aerospace in 2026, Scott was the COO of Connect Housing Blocks. Before that, he spent 5 years at Serco, joining as a Senior Consultant before moving into the role of Deputy Director and then Director.
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