Lead Machine Learning Engineer

AeroVironment is seeking a Lead Machine Learning Engineer to join the Learning and Active Perception (LEAP) group in Centreville, VA. In this onsite role, you will serve as a strong individual contributor and technical leader for development of computer vision and related analytics supporting defense and commercial applications.

This position spans the full engineering lifecycle, from requirements through test, evaluation, validation, and verification, while also mentoring more junior engineers. You will work on technically challenging ML problems across detection, classification, localization, and tracking using data from a mix of stationary and mobile sensor platforms.

What you will do

• Lead the design and development of computer vision and machine learning algorithms to solve technically challenging problems, including detection, classifying, localizing, and tracking objects of interest from stationary and mobile sensor platforms
• Stay current with relevant academic literature, commercial products, and open source projects to keep technical solutions at the leading edge
• Advise on and support software infrastructure and DevOps processes to meet ML needs
• Implement ML algorithms and validate designs using purpose-designed experiments
• Analyze model performance and errors, then design strategies to address them
• Select appropriate datasets and data representations, and supervise data acquisition when needed
• Manage resources including hardware, data, and personnel to meet deadlines, coordinating with team leadership and between teams as required
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science/engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related Science or Engineering discipline with 5+ years of relevant experience in machine learning and/or computer vision
• Minimum 8-12 years of relevant experience
• Familiarity with C/C++ or Python required
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot complex systems
• Proficiency with PyTorch deep learning frameworks
• Proficiency with machine learning libraries such as scikit-learn and pandas
• Proficiency with OpenCV
• Proficiency with Linux
• Familiarity with ONNX and ML standards
• 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
• Familiarity with office software and computer-based productivity tools
• Ability to work within defined requirements with minimal supervision
• Team player with leadership qualities and strong verbal and written communication skills
• Effective problem-solving, analytical, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with small teams and a broad range of duties
• Initiative, ownership of work products, and commitment to learning from mistakes and improving performance
• U.S. citizenship required
• Ability to obtain at minimum a Secret level DoD security clearance
• Willingness to travel frequently, up to 40%

Preferred qualifications

• Advanced degree preferred

Technologies

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

Location and schedule

• Centreville, VA (onsite)
• 9/80 work schedule

Compensation and benefits

• Salary: USD 158,000 - 241,000 per year
• Medical, dental vision
• 401K with company matching
• Paid holiday shutdown

ITAR requirement: This position requires access to information subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).