AI Research Engineer

About Sonar

Sonar leads the charge in agent-centric software development by delivering cutting-edge AI code verification and governance solutions. Their technology ensures AI-assisted or autonomous developer-generated software is dependable, secure, and maintainable. Sonar integrates with prominent platforms like Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini, and Devin, serving over 75% of Fortune 100 companies. Their clients experience a 44% reduction in outages caused by AI-generated code.

They view code verification as a vital element in the Agent-Centric Development Cycle (AC/DC), trusted by major corporations such as Nvidia, ServiceNow, Booking.com, Goldman Sachs, AstraZeneca, and Ford Motor Company. Their offerings include:

• SonarQube: The premier AI-driven code review and verification platform.
• SonarQube Foundation Agent: A leader in autonomous software repair.
• SonarSweep & Sonar Context Augmentation: Tools providing necessary context and constraints for effective agent operation.

Operating globally in hubs including Singapore, Sonar embraces a CODE mindset focused on customer commitment, quality obsession, deliberate decision-making, and team effectiveness. With over $400M in revenue and profitable rapid growth, Sonar is positioned at the forefront of the AI software revolution.

Role Overview

Sonar seeks a pioneering Machine Learning Scientist to join their Data & AI team. This role involves advancing their code analysis engine by applying state-of-the-art AI and Large Language Model techniques to source code. The position requires innovating beyond standard static analysis to help millions write safer, higher-quality code.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research and innovation in ML, Deep Learning, and LLMs focusing on applications within the Software Development Lifecycle, uncovering unique enhancements.
• Design, prototype, and validate novel ML models that detect and fix intricate bugs, security flaws, and code quality issues.
• Create LLM-based solutions such as Retrieval-Augmented Generation for contextual analysis, fine-tune models using proprietary datasets, and investigate automated code repair agents.
• Develop and oversee scalable data pipelines to gather, process, and maintain extensive code-related datasets for model training and assessment.
• Collaborate with engineering and product teams to incorporate successful ML prototypes into Sonar’s products, meeting the needs of a global user base.
• Effectively communicate complex research outcomes to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or related quantitative disciplines.
• Substantial professional experience in machine learning alongside familiarity with modern software engineering tools and methods.
• Proficiency in Python programming and practical knowledge of ML and Deep Learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, and Hugging Face; Java experience is advantageous.
• Demonstrated applied ML expertise, with emphasis on Natural Language Processing or Programming Language Processing.
• Experience working with cutting-edge LLM architectures and techniques, including fine-tuning methods (e.g., LoRA, QLoRA), advanced prompt engineering, building and optimizing Retrieval-Augmented Generation workflows, and using vector databases and semantic search technologies.
• Competence in large-scale data processing frameworks and cloud environments like AWS.
• Track record of independently advancing research projects from concept through to prototype development.
• Excellent English communication skills with the ability to present scientific content clearly.

Work Environment and Location

Sonar values co-located collaboration, designating Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays as core in-office days. Candidates must be based in Singapore or willing to relocate, supported by the company.

Diversity and Inclusion

Sonar is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace that welcomes and supports employees regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability, age, or veteran status. Accessibility accommodations are available upon request.

Additional Information

• Employment offers are contingent upon background checks and reference verification.
• Applications via agencies or third parties will not be accepted.
• Sonar utilizes AI tools during recruitment to assist but not replace human decision-making.