Senior Machine Learning Engineer

AeroVironment’s Learning and Active Perception (LEAP) group is seeking a Senior Machine Learning Engineer to develop computer vision and analytics solutions for defense and commercial applications, including real-time automated target recognition (ATR). The position spans the full development lifecycle, from requirements through validation and verification testing, and includes integration work for aircraft and other systems.

Location

Centreville, VA (Onsite)

Salary

USD 129,500 - 197,500 per year

Role Summary

In this role, you will support development of machine learning capabilities focused on object detection, classification, localization, and tracking from stationary and mobile sensor platforms. Responsibilities include visual imagery data science to guide data collection, labeling, and selection for deep computer vision training, along with algorithm validation through purpose-designed experiments. You will also help set objectives, build models and metrics, and integrate ML algorithms into aircraft components or other systems.

Responsibilities

• Support development of computer vision and machine learning algorithms for real-time automated target recognition (ATR) using data from stationary and mobile sensor platforms
• Conduct visual imagery data science to inform data collection, data labeling, and data selection for training deep computer vision ML models
• Train algorithms and validate data selection and design choices through a series of purpose-designed experiments
• Analyze ML approaches for a given problem and rank alternatives by success probability on new data
• Set objectives and develop models to achieve them, including defining metrics to track progress
• Select appropriate datasets and data representations
• Analyze errors across data, model, and strategy design to overcome limitations
• Write and test software to support integration of ML algorithms into aircraft systems (including autopilots and payloads) or other system components
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science/engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or related Science or Engineering discipline, with 5+ years of relevant experience in machine learning and/or computer vision
• Advanced degree preferred
• 5 - 8 years of relevant computer vision experience
• Proficiency with Python and C/C++
• Proficiency with a deep learning framework, preferably PyTorch
• Proficiency with basic computer vision and machine learning libraries such as Open-CV, scikit-learn, and pandas
• Familiarity with Linux
• Familiarity with Nvidia Tools (CUDA, JetPack, TensorRT) and deployment processes to Nvidia Jetson processors and other Nvidia GPUs
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex systems and perform algorithmic optimization
• Ability to perform exploratory data analysis, including visualizing and manipulating large datasets
• Familiarity with office software and computer-based productivity tools
• Ability to complete tasks within defined requirements with minimal supervision
• Ability to collaborate effectively and work as a team player
• Excellent verbal and written skills
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with small teams and a broad range of duties
• Strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
• Ownership of current and past work products, including willingness to share results and provide feedback
• Commitment to learning from mistakes and improving performance of self, others, and the company
• U.S. Citizenship required
• Ability to obtain at minimum a Secret level DoD security clearance
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly (up to 40%)

Technologies

• Python
• C/C++
• PyTorch
• Open-CV
• scikit-learn
• pandas
• Linux
• CUDA
• JetPack
• TensorRT
• Nvidia Jetson
• Nvidia GPUs
• Autopilots
• Payloads

Benefits

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

Worker Type

Regular

Clearance and ITAR

• Clearance Level: No Clearance
• ITAR: U.S. Citizenship is required; Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability to obtain a clearance is desired

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office environment (Constant)
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard (Frequent)

Travel

Regularly, up to 40%