AI Scientist – Vector Team

About the Role:

We’re looking for a talented and visionary AI Scientist to join the Vector Team at Rafael. This team serves as Rafael’s AI technological and engineering authority, driving knowledge development, innovation, and the advancement of cutting-edge AI capabilities across the organization.

As part of this strategic team, you will play a key role in shaping AI innovation, improving Rafael’s competitiveness in the global market, and implementing groundbreaking AI technologies across diverse operational domains.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic AI Development: Support the Vector team leader in driving strategic AI planning and innovation. Participate in long-term R&D planning, identifying trends, knowledge hubs, and future infrastructure needs.
• Innovation Leadership: Promote innovation by supporting the initiation or scaling of AI projects in areas such as autonomy, robotics, physical systems, UAVs, missile systems, control systems, navigation, and agentic AI. Collaborate with business and technology divisions as well as the R&D Directorate.
• Technical Expertise and Research: Expose internal teams to the latest AI capabilities and provide tailored support for operational needs. Offer professional guidance in developing and applying AI technologies, including technical mentoring for projects.
• Academic and Startup Engagements: Foster collaboration with academic research institutions (in coordination with R&D and the Experts Center), map leading AI researchers, and initiate joint studies. Lead Rafael’s activities in startup accelerators, evaluate relevant AI products, and adopt new technologies.
• Knowledge Management and Professional Development: Coordinate and guide AI knowledge hubs across Rafael. Elevate professional standards and encourage collaboration. Establish professional forums, manage an innovation fund, and foster entrepreneurship in the field.
• AI Project Support: Provide hands-on support to AI initiatives within Rafael, including feasibility studies, requirement definitions, and technology selection for corporate departments and supply chains.
• Open Innovation Leadership: Lead open innovation initiatives with startups — identify opportunities, assess technologies, conduct feasibility studies, and support the development of strategic partnerships in coordination with R&D leadership.
• AI Community Management: Actively manage Rafael’s AI knowledge community — organize conferences, hackathons, training programs, and professional content sharing.
• Strategic Consulting and Participation: Contribute to complex, high-impact projects requiring AI expertise. Provide strategic advice and lead the development of organizational AI infrastructure (hardware and software).
• External Representation: Represent Rafael at conferences, seminars, and meetings with international clients and peers. Promote Rafael’s technological brand and present key achievements.
• Business Development: Support business units in crafting proposals and identifying AI opportunities in future projects.

What We’re Looking For:

• Master’s degree (M.Sc.) or higher in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• A Ph.D. is a significant advantage.
• Academic specialization in AI-related domains such as machine learning, computer vision, or natural language processing.
• At least 3 years of hands-on experience in developing and applying AI technologies, including deep learning and neural networks.
• Strong understanding of the latest generation of AI models, including large language models (LLMs), generative AI, and content creation models. Practical experience with GenAI is a major advantage.
• Background in AI research (academic publications or conference participation) is a plus.
• Strong software development skills, including proficiency in relevant programming languages (e.g., Python).
• Proven ability to lead and inspire teams through innovative research and development.
• Strategic thinking and a keen sense of future technology trends.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex technical ideas to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with high motivation for continuous learning and staying up-to-date with new technologies.
• Willingness to participate in professional conferences and industry events.
• Experience in project management and working in multidisciplinary environments is an advantage.