AI/ML Engineer - Entry Level

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 an AI/ML Engineer – Entry Level. This position is a full-time opportunity located in Columbus, Ohio.

Battelle is seeking an AI/ML Engineer – Entry Level to help improve laboratory efficiency through practical AI, automation, and data solutions. Working alongside scientists, technicians, quality staff, and technology teams, this role will identify repetitive or time-consuming work and develop tools that simplify laboratory workflows, reduce manual and redundant efforts, improve data quality, and support faster, more consistent operations — while capturing data for use in larger AI and machine learning initiatives.

This is a hands-on learning role. Initial projects may include AI-assisted data review, sample and inventory tracking, workflow automation, dashboards, laboratory scheduling, document search, and tools that help staff access and use laboratory information more effectively.

Responsibilities

As an AI/ML Engineer – Entry Level, the selected individual will develop and deploy practical AI and automation solutions that enhance laboratory operations and data quality. Responsibilities may include:

• Assist with building practical AI tools, low-code applications, dashboards, forms, and automated workflows using approved platforms
• Help organize and analyze laboratory data to improve sample tracking, inventory, scheduling, instrument utilization, reporting, and turnaround time
• Learn and document laboratory workflows to identify bottlenecks, manual steps, and opportunities for AI or automation
• Use approved tools such as Microsoft Copilot, Copilot Studio, Visual Studio, Power Automate, Power Apps, Power BI, SharePoint, Python, and SQL
• Support integration among laboratory systems, instrument data, spreadsheets, databases, and business applications
• Help develop and maintain internal data management systems and electronic notebooks across multiple laboratory environments
• Participate in requirements gathering, testing, validation, documentation, training, and end-user support
• Capture and report metrics such as time saved, reduced manual entries, fewer errors, improved data access, and increased user adoption
• Follow requirements for cybersecurity, data protection, responsible AI, quality, safety, and change control within both internal and client frameworks

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Laboratory Science, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Zero to two years of relevant experience, including internships, co-ops, research, coursework, or significant projects
• Interest in applying AI, data, software, or automation to improve laboratory operations
• Foundational experience with one or more of the following: Microsoft Power Platform, generative AI tool use and development, Python, SQL, data visualization, workflow automation, or application development
• Ability to learn laboratory processes, collaborate with end users, solve practical problems, and communicate clearly
• Basic understanding of data quality, testing, documentation, and the responsible use of technology
• [INSERT TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS]
• 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

• Laboratory, research, manufacturing, environmental, healthcare, or other technical operating experience
• Exposure to LIMS, electronic laboratory notebooks, scientific instruments, sample tracking, inventory, or quality systems
• Experience developing AI-assisted tools, prompts, workflows, dashboards, or applications through coursework or projects
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, process mapping, root-cause analysis, Git, APIs, or cloud services

Compensation Data

Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $71,200 – $101,400 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 s