Data Scientist/Machine Learning Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Data Scientist / Machine Learning Engineer to build and validate AI and machine learning solutions for aerospace and national security mission needs. This role focuses on advancing models through experimentation, developing reinforcement learning capabilities, and helping transition successful technologies to program customers.

The position is based in El Segundo, CA with 100% onsite work, and the primary stakeholders include program office teams supporting projects from USSF, NRO, and IRAD.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate advanced AI/ML algorithms.
• Design and implement reinforcement learning (RL) solutions for decision making, autonomy, planning, optimization, and control.
• Apply deep learning approaches including computer vision, foundation models, generative AI, and multimodal learning to mission relevant problems.
• Build data processing, model training, inference, and evaluation pipelines.
• Design experiments to assess performance, robustness, generalization, and failure modes of AI/ML systems.
• Support program work by developing and advancing AI/ML models and transitioning successful capabilities to customers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or other related STEM majors.
• 0-1 years or more of experience in AI/ML, data science, and related work.
• Proven ability in AI/ML statistical analysis, data science, and modeling.
• Demonstrated Python programming experience and experience with ML frameworks such as PyTorch and TensorFlow.
• Working knowledge of Reinforcement Learning concepts and algorithms.
• Ability to travel approximately 10% to support customer meetings and technical collaboration.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance issued by the U.S. government, and U.S. citizenship is required.

Tools and Technologies

• Python
• PyTorch
• TensorFlow
• Reinforcement Learning (RL)
• Computer vision
• Foundation models
• Generative AI
• Multimodal learning

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
• 401(k) Plan with immediate eligibility and vesting; total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% based on years of service and matching contributions
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs
• Education assistance programs
• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

Corporate Skills You’ll Bring

• Work well in a team environment and contribute to research initiatives and proposals.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.

How You Can Stand Out

• Advanced degree in Data Science, computer vision, or related fields.
• Exposure developing, testing, and deploying AI/ML models.
• Strong research record with publication in top tier conferences such as CVPR and NeurIPS.
• Experience deploying and optimizing ML models for cloud, HPC, and edge-computing environments.
• Experience developing simulation-based AI/ML solutions.

Compensation: USD 70,000 - 105,000 per year.