Lead Machine Learning Engineer

AeroVironment supports the LEAP group in its MacCready Works division with a mission-driven team focused on computer vision and machine learning for both defense and commercial use. This onsite role in Centreville, VA combines hands-on ML development, full lifecycle delivery, and mentorship of junior engineers. The position offers a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown, along with medical, dental, and vision coverage.

What you will do

In this Lead Machine Learning Engineer position, you will lead the design and development of computer vision and ML algorithms that address technically challenging problems, including the detection, classification, localization, and tracking of objects of interest using both stationary and mobile sensor platforms. You will oversee work from early requirements through validation and verification testing to support technically complex defense and commercial applications.

• Design and develop computer vision and ML solutions for advanced object detection, classification, localization, and tracking
• Stay current with academic literature, commercial products, and open source projects to keep technical approaches up to date
• Advise and support software infrastructure and DevOps processes that enable ML development needs
• Implement ML algorithms and validate designs using purpose-designed experiments
• Analyze model errors and performance, then design strategies to improve results
• Select datasets and data representations; supervise data acquisition if required
• Manage hardware, data, and personnel resources to meet deadlines and coordinate activities with the Team Lead and other assigned duties

What you bring

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science/engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related Science or Engineering discipline
• 5+ years of relevant experience in machine learning and/or computer vision, with a minimum of 10 to 12 years of relevant experience overall
• Working familiarity with C/C++ or Python
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot complex systems
• Proficiency with a deep learning framework, preferably PyTorch
• Proficiency with scikit-learn and pandas
• Proficiency with OpenCV and Linux
• Familiarity with ML standards such as ONNX
• Ability to select hardware for specific ML applications
• Expertise in visualizing and manipulating big datasets
• Experience working with DoW and Intelligence Community (IC) organizations on advanced technology, research, or AI/ML initiatives
• Familiarity working in classified spaces
• Knowledge of office software and computer-based productivity tools
• Ability to work within defined requirements with minimal supervision
• Leadership qualities and effective verbal and written communication skills
• Problem-solving, analytical, and interpersonal skills, with comfort in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• U.S. Citizenship required and a team-first approach

Security, travel, and compliance

• U.S. Citizenship required (to qualify for this role, you must be a U.S. Citizen)
• Active Secret level DoD security clearance with ability to obtain TS/SCI
• Willingness and ability to travel (Occasionally / Up to 20%)
• ITAR/EAR: This position requires access to information subject to ITAR and/or EAR; applicants must qualify as a U.S. person or be approved for an export license

Technologies you will use

• C/C++, Python
• PyTorch, scikit-learn, pandas
• OpenCV, Linux
• ONNX
• DevOps

Compensation and schedule

Salary: USD 158,000 - 241,000 per year. This position is onsite in Centreville, VA, with a 9/80 work schedule.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental vision
• 401K with company matching
• 9/80 work schedule
• Paid holiday shutdown