Senior Machine Learning Engineer

• Support development of computer vision and machine learning (ML) algorithms capable of object detection, classifying, localizing, and tracking objects of interest from a variety of stationary and mobile sensor platforms with the primary purpose of real-time automated target recognition (ATR)
• Perform visual imagery data science to inform data collection, data labeling, and data selection for training deep computer vision ML algorithms, train the algorithms using the data, and validate data selection and algorithm design through a series of purpose-designed experiments. This includes:
• Analyze ML algorithms to solve a given problem and rank them by their success probability on new data
• Set objectives and develop models that help achieve them, along with metrics to track their progress
• Select appropriate datasets and data representations
• Analyze errors of the data, model, and design strategies to overcome them
• Write and test software to support the integration of machine learning algorithms into aircraft (such as autopilots, payloads, or other functional components) or other systems
• Other duties as assigned

• 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++ required
• Proficiency with a deep learning framework, preferably PyTorch
• Proficiency with basic libraries for computer vision and machine learning such as, Open-CV, scikit-learn, and pandas
• Familiarity with Linux
• Familiarity with Nvidia Tools (CUDA, JetPack, TensorRT) and deployment process 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

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Familiarity with office software and computer-based productivity tools
• Ability to work within defined requirements to complete tasks under minimal supervision
• Must be a team player and collaborate effectively
• Excellent verbal and written skills
• Has effective problem-solving, analytical and interpersonal skills
• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products, and willingness to share the results with other team members and provide feedback and input to teammates working similar problems.
• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company
• Has effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills
• Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one’s own interests

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)

Special Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required
• Active Secret level (or higher) DoD security clearance
• Willingness and ability to travel (Occasionally / Up to 25%), This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract, U.S. Citizenship is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability obtain a clearance is desired.

We don’t just build defense technology-we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian-but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.

If you’re ready to build technology that matters-with speed, scale, and purpose-there’s no better place to do it than AV.