Lead Machine Learning Engineer

AeroVironment’s MacCready Works division is seeking a Lead Machine Learning Engineer to support the LEAP group, focusing on computer vision and machine learning algorithm development for both defense and commercial applications. In this onsite role in Centreville, VA, you will own technical work across the machine learning lifecycle, from requirements through validation and verification testing, while mentoring junior engineers.

What you’ll do

• Lead the design and development of computer vision and ML algorithms to tackle technically challenging problems such as detection, classification, localization, and tracking of objects of interest from stationary and mobile sensor platforms.
• Stay current with academic literature, commercial products, and open source projects to keep solutions aligned with leading-edge approaches.
• Advise on and support the design of software infrastructure and DevOps processes to support ML needs.
• Implement ML algorithms and validate design choices through a set of purpose-designed experiments.
• Evaluate model performance and analyze errors, then develop strategies to overcome observed limitations.
• Select datasets and data representations, including supervising data acquisition when required.
• Manage available resources, including hardware, data, and personnel, to meet deadlines; coordinate activities with a Team Lead and others, as additional duties require.

What you bring

• 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 10 to 12 years of relevant experience.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• Familiarity with C/C++ or Python required.
• 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.
• Familiarity with office software and computer-based productivity tools.
• Ability to work within defined requirements under minimal supervision and support team success with leadership qualities.
• Strong verbal and written communication, along with problem-solving, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with small teams and broad responsibilities.
• Ability to work in an office environment (Constant), and to sit and stand for long periods and use hands/fingers to operate a computer keyboard (Frequent).
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Active Secret level DoD security clearance with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.
• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally (up to 20%).

Technologies

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

Compensation and schedule

• Salary: USD 158,000 - 241,000 per year
• Location: Centreville, VA (onsite)
• Work schedule: a 9/80 work schedule

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental vision
• 401K with company matching
• Paid holiday shutdown

ITAR requirement: This position requires access to information subject to ITAR and/or EAR. Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR and the EAR, or be a person approved for an export license by the relevant governing agency. U.S. person includes U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents (green card holders), or protected individuals such as refugees or asylees. U.S. Citizenship is required.

Clearance level: No Clearance (with requirement for Secret and ability to obtain TS/SCI as stated above).