AI/ML Engineer III

Sierra Nevada Corporation; Lone Tree (CO); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 172,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Dental plan

Vision plan

401(k) with 150% match up to 6%

Life insurance

3 weeks paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Sierra Nevada Corporation is seeking an AI/ML Engineer III to design, develop, and deploy advanced machine learning systems for aerospace/defense. You’ll lead AI initiatives, mentor engineers, and drive cross-functional projects within the IAS business area, focusing on autonomy, sensor fusion, and decision-making.

The role requires leadership, deep ML expertise, and experience bringing AI models into production while navigating regulatory and cybersecurity constraints.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field; related experience can substitute.
• 6+ years of related AI/ML experience.
• Proficiency in ML frameworks and languages (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Python).
• Experience leading teams or projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of advanced ML models (including deep nets, RL, generative AI).
• Architect scalable AI/ML systems integrated with existing hardware/software.
• Mentor junior engineers and manage AI/ML projects from scoping to delivery.
• Develop validation/testing frameworks ensuring performance, safety and compliance.

Skills

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Transformers

Python

C++

C#

Java

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Cybersecurity basics

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Math/Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

CUDA

TensorRT

GPU programming

Job description

The AI/ML Engineer III is a mid-level technical position that requires advanced expertise in designing, developing, and deploying machine learning systems for aerospace and defense applications. In this role, you will lead the creation of cutting-edge AI solutions for complex problems, such as autonomous navigation, sensor fusion, and real-time decision-making. You will also mentor junior engineers, manage key projects, and contribute to strategic decision-making within AI/ML development efforts. Your work will directly impact mission-critical systems and next-generation technologies.The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations – with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries.Responsibilities:Lead the design and development of advanced machine learning models, including deep neural networks, reinforcement learning systems, and generative AI algorithms, to solve complex problems.Architect scalable AI/ML systems that can integrate seamlessly with existing software and hardware platforms. Provide guidance on the selection of tools, frameworks, and infrastructure.Collaborate with systems engineers, hardware teams, and data scientists to align AI/ML solutions with mission-specific requirements and constraints.Manage AI/ML projects, including scoping, resource allocation, and timeline management, ensuring that deliverables meet quality and performance expectations.Develop and oversee robust validation and testing frameworks to ensure that AI/ML models meet performance, safety, and compliance standards in real-world scenarios.Mentor junior engineers, providing technical guidance and fostering a collaborative, innovative team environment.Stay current with emerging AI/ML technologies and propose innovative solutions to address new and existing challenges in the aerospace and defense domain.Communicate technical concepts, project progress, and outcomes to stakeholders, including leadership and external partners, in a clear and concise manner.Independently train, fine-tune, and optimize advanced AI architectures (including transformers) for complex applications.Apply a broad range of AI/ML techniques (supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement, generative) to solve domain-specific challenges.Lead the development and integration of signal processing, computer vision, and planning algorithms to advance autonomous system functionality.Design and execute large-scale simulations and modeling of AI/ML systems, ensuring scalability, performance, and robustness on CPU/GPU platforms.Lead rigorous validation and verification activities, ensuring deliverables meet performance, safety, and reliability requirements.Qualifications You Must Have:Bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, applied statistics, various engineering disciplines, or related STEM discipline6+ years of experience in a related field.Relevant experience can be considered as a substitute for the required educational qualifications. In the absence of a degree, a minimum of 9 years of related experience is required.Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.Proficient in machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) and skilled in implementing advanced AI/ML techniques, such as supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning (e.g., PPO, Actor/Critic), as well as working with generative AI models (e.g., transformers).Proficient in developing, deploying, and optimizing AI/ML models, including ANNs, CNNs, and RNNs, for production applications. Contributed to the design and scaling of systems for larger datasets or environments with moderate complexity.Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, C# or Java, with experience in building scalable AI/ML systems.Demonstrated experience leading teams or projects, including mentoring junior staff.Proven track record of deploying AI/ML models in production environments and optimizing them for real-world use cases.Knowledge of regulatory and cybersecurity requirements for AI/ML systems in aerospace and defense applicationsQualifications We Prefer:Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or related field.Experience leading teams or projects in aerospace and defense industries.Familiarity with cybersecurity and regulatory requirements.Proficient in Agile or DevOps workflows; active participant in iterative ML software development.Practical experience designing and implementing advanced ML techniques, such as clustering, dimensionality reduction, or generative modeling.Hands-on experience with GPU programming and using high-performance computing systems for ML workloads.Experience with at least one reinforcement learning or generative AI model (e.g., implementing GANs or Transformers).Able to analyze large-scale, heterogeneous datasets and apply advanced statistical and ML methods to real-world problems.Experience translating mission objectives into actionable system requirements, including HMI scenarios.Familiarity with hardware acceleration (e.g., CUDA, TensorRT) and introductory knowledge of edge AI or XAI.Essential Functions:Ability to lead and manage complex AI/ML projects.Travel occasionally to testing sites, customer locations, or conferences (up to 10-20%).Work in a hybrid environment, managing cross-functional teams and high-priority deliverables.This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs.Estimated Starting Salary Range: $124,771.42 - $171,560.71. Compensation varies depending on a wide array of factors, such as candidates' key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications. The disclosed range estimate may be adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more .IMPORTANT NOTICE:This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We’re known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation’s most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team!SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.