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# Senior Machine Learning Engineer I

- **Company:** Rocket Lab
- **Location:** Chantilly, VA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $125,300.0 - $187,850.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Neural Networks, Computer Vision, Software Bug Management, Continuous Integration, Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, Object Detection, Rapid Prototyping Process, Tensorflow, Visual Systems, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Feature Engineering, Data Ingestion, Pytorch, Deep Learning, Model Validation, Keras, Containerization, Information Technology, Operational Systems, Machine Learning Operations, Software Version Control
- **Published:** August 22, 2026
- **Apply:** https://diversityjobs.com/main/sendform/8/8/28176/1/18028403?backUrl=%2Fcareer%2F18028403%2FSenior-Machine-Learning-Engineer-I-Virginia-Chantilly

## About the Role

* Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of experience, master's degree and 3+ years of experience, or a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field
 * Strong background in machine learning including model selection, architecting, training, validation, testing, and deployment
 * Experience in building deep learning neural network for computer vision, image processing, or video analysis (e.g., object detection, image segmentation, and tracking)
 * Strong math background, particularly linear algebra
 * Proficiency in Python
 * Experience with deep learning libraries (Keras, TensorFlow, Pytorch, etc)
 * Software engineering fundamentals: version control, testing, CI/CD, containerization
 * S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
 * Ability to obtain and maintain an U.S. Government Security Clearance

NICE TO HAVE:

 * Proficiency in C/C++/Rust
 * Experience curating quality, real-world datasets for training deep learning models
 * TS/SCI security clearance

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

## Description

As a Senior Machine Learning Engineer I based at our Optical Systems sites in Chantilly, VA, you will have the opportunity to support Tranche 3 of the U.S. Space Development Agency's (SDA) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) and beyond by building deep learning neural networks for advanced Electro-Optical (EO/IR) image processing.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

 * Contribute your experience to developing solutions for real-world problems.
 * Design, train, and deploy machine learning models for Optical Systems applications
 * Build and maintain ML pipelines for data ingestion, feature engineering, training, and inference.
 * Collaborate with other researchers/engineers on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision.
 * Preform rapid prototyping and enhanced development to be integrated into operational systems.
 * Perform troubleshooting, bug fixes, and maintenance of existing and new systems.
 * Stay current with ML research and evaluate new tools, frameworks, and techniques


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