Senior AI Research Engineer & Project Lead

Special Instructions to Applicants:

We’re looking for a visionary AI leader to push the frontiers of space exploration, secure satellite systems, and next-generation healthcare. If you thrive on solving the hardest problems at the intersection of artificial intelligence, aerospace engineering, and life-saving medicine, this is your mission.

As our Senior AI Research Engineer & Project Lead, you’ll design breakthrough AI systems for lunar missions, satellite cybersecurity, and AI-powered medical diagnostics—then lead them from concept to deployment in high-stakes environments.

You’ll work with NASA mission simulation frameworks (NOS3), develop real-time telemetry analytics for spacecraft, and architect cloud-based AI solutions on Microsoft Azure. You’ll also pioneer Generative AI and LLM applications that could change how we operate in space and detect diseases here on Earth.

About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary:
This position is responsible for inventing and deploying AI/ML solutions to enhance spacecraft telemetry, anomaly detection, and mission performance optimization. It involves building cyber-resilient space systems aligned with SPARTA and NIST frameworks, as well as leading healthcare AI projects that enable precise detection of cardiovascular diseases. The role requires architecting and scaling AI platforms using Azure, GPUs, TPUs, and NASA-grade tools, while integrating Generative AI and fine-tuned LLMs into both aerospace and healthcare systems. A key focus is on leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative, impactful results that advance mission success and improve human health.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to lunar mission safety and the advancement of large-scale disease detection. The position provides collaboration with leading aerospace organizations, including Intuitive Machines, Axiom Space, and NASA partners, as well as access to state-of-the-art AI infrastructure such as TPUs, GPUs, Azure ML, and Gemini models. Successful candidates will join a mission-driven team where their research will have direct application in space exploration and healthcare innovation.

Ideal Candidate Statement:
The ideal candidate holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field, and brings over a decade of experience advancing AI in healthcare, complemented by at least five years of expertise in aerospace systems. They are hands-on with NASA NOS3, telemetry analytics, and modern cloud-based AI architectures, and have a proven track record of leading mission-critical AI/ML projects from concept to deployment. Beyond technical mastery, this candidate demonstrates strong leadership, a passion for space exploration, and a deep commitment to leveraging AI for the greater good.

Workplace Requirements:
This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range:
Hiring salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.
This position is funded by soft funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of funding.

Minimum Requirements: