Scientist/Engineer III

OverviewHelp revolutionize how first responders navigate life-threatening situations by developing AI-powered indoor mapping technologies that could mean the difference between life and death in emergency scenarios. We are seeking an experienced Computer Engineer to join a team of engineers and researchers conducting research and development (R&D) activities focused on improving indoor mapping, tracking, and navigation capabilities for first responders. Working with the Public Safety Communications Research (PSCR) Division at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), you will play a critical role in the Location-Based Services (LBS) Portfolio's mission to accelerate the pace of technological development in indoor mapping, tracking, and navigation for public safety. You will assist in the development of cutting-edge software that demonstrates advanced indoor mapping technologies, applying AI/ML techniques to 3D point cloud data and novel viewpoint synthesis methods to create tools that first responders can rely on in critical situations.FWI has been recognized as a Top Workplace by the Washington Post in 2024 and 2025, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.Work Schedule and Location:Regular business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Local Time, excluding Federal holidays and NIST closures. Work Location: Remote position restricted to performance within the Continental United States (CONUS). The contract employee must be reasonably available from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM MT, excluding a lunch period, each business day to collaborate with NIST personnel as necessary. Primary place of performance is offsite but implemented through NIST PSCR. Travel Requirements: One anticipated domestic trip during the contract period to participate in the annual PSCR stakeholder meeting. The trip is expected to be less than a week in duration. NIST will provide at least three weeks' notice before the trip. Prior approval from the Contracting Officer is required for lodging exceeding government rates, airline/rental car upgrades, medical accommodations, driving instead of flying to destinations outside local travel, multiple destinations in a single trip, or trips longer than a week in duration.ResponsibilitiesAI/ML Model Development: Assist in identifying candidate models for improving the utility of 3D mapping data for public safety applications, test the utility of these models, and produce manuscripts documenting research results for peer review and publication Research and Innovation: Conduct research related to the application of AI/ML to point clouds and indoor models, with particular focus on training AI/ML systems to identify public safety relevant items in point cloud data using advanced techniques including NeRFs, Gaussian Splats, and related novel viewpoint synthesis methods Prototype Software Development: Identify software gaps related to public safety use of 3D mapping data and develop software solutions to close identified gaps, working with large datasets (>100GB) and utilizing programming languages including C++, C, Python, and other software tools Open Source Contribution: Facilitate advancements in indoor mapping technologies by sharing research results publicly through appropriate avenues such as GitHub, contributing to the broader public safety technology community Stakeholder Engagement: Develop presentation slides and demo materials related to research conducted, and travel to participate in the annual PSCR stakeholder meeting to report study results and engage with public safety stakeholders and technology partners Collaborative Research: Work closely with NIST PSCR personnel and utilize the tools and systems of PSCR's Public Safety Innovation Lab to advance indoor mapping capabilities for first respondersQualificationsRequired: The ability to obtain a public trust Education: A Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field appropriate for the work required. OR a demonstrated equivalent combination of education, training, and experience can be used to meet the minimum qualifications. Work Experience: A minimum of 4 years' experience in computer engineering, AI/ML development, or related fields Required skills: Experience with programming and training AI systems Experience with data wrangling of large (>100GB) datasets Experience training AI/ML systems to identify public safety relevant items in point cloud data Experience with NeRFs, Gaussian Splats, and related novel viewpoint synthesis techniques Familiarity and experience with rendering Point Cloud datasets Proficiency with C++, C, Python, and other software languages Willingness and ability to quickly learn new software tools Ability and dedication necessary to independently complete tasks while working remotely Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders Desired: Master's degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field Experience utilizing the tools and systems of PSCR's Public Safety Innovation Lab Prior experience working with public safety organizations or first responders Publications in peer-reviewed journals or conferences related to AI/ML, 3D mapping, or computer vision Experience with open source software development and GitHub collaboration Background in emergency response or public safety technology developmentWhy Join Our TeamAt FWI, we place the highest importance on creating an exceptional employee experience. You'll have opportunities to achieve your career aspirations through internal promotions, professional development, and other recognition and rewards programs. Join our team and take advantage of the many benefits we offer, including:Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance Life Insurance 401(k) Plan Holiday Pay Paid Time OffFWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.  Pay Range$67/hour