Engineering Manager - Machine Learning Engineering

aero; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation in Chantilly, VA is seeking an Engineering Manager of Machine Learning Engineering (MLE) to lead a team delivering cutting-edge data science, AI, and ML solutions for DoD, IC, and civilian customers.

You will bridge innovation and production, supervise technical work, coordinate client engagements, and guide career development while ensuring program success and security compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM fields such as Data Science, CS, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Physics or Math.
• 5+ years of professional engineering/scientific experience in data science, ML, or AI/ML research.
• Proven ability to lead and direct a team of engineers and staff.
• Strong ML/AI understanding, software engineering, and statistics.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical planning and resource estimation for assignments.
• Coordinate customer relationships and report progress to leadership.
• Provide technical direction to engineering teams and staff.
• Support staff development, performance reviews, and career growth.
• Ensure security compliance and governance across projects.
• Identify opportunities for new business and opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

ML/AI expertise

Software engineering

Communication

Project planning

Education

Bachelors degree in STEM with emphasis in Data Science, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related field(s)

Tools

Containerization

Microservices

Cloud computing

Visualization tools

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) staff couple the latest in information system technologies, such as elastic compute clouds, containerization, microservices, real-time operating systems, and visualization frameworks, with expertise in cyber security, software architecture, software engineering, data science, Artificial Intelligence, process improvement, and software development to deliver responsive, resilient, high-performance software intensive systems to our Intelligence Community, DoD, and civilian customers.

The Engineering Manager of Machine Learning Engineering (MLE) leads a team of engineers and technical staff in developing and deploying cutting-edge data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) solutions. This role bridges the gap between innovation and implementation, transforming proof-of-concept models into production-ready applications that deliver real business value. This position is a critical leadership role that coordinates technical assignments, deliverable execution, customer relationships, career development, technical consultation, and overall direction. The Engineering Manager provides leadership to the MLE section and contributes to technical projects that solve customer problems.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, VA

What You'll Be Doing

• Provides task planning, schedule, and labor estimates for proposed technical work assignments. Advises supervision of resources needs and capabilities. Provides inputs for budgetary planning.
• Participates in day-to-day technical activities and task accomplishments. Monitors and evaluates processes, techniques, and performance. Reviews documentation and delivery of services.
• Works closely with customers to coordinate tasking, report progress, resolve technical issues, and assure project success. Initiates and coordinates exchanges of technical information with other work groups and organizations. Prepares written and oral reports of organization's activities, issues, and accomplishments to higher management, subordinates, and teaming organizations.
• Recommends staffing needs, reassignments, transfers, and terminations. Recommends and assists evaluation of potential staff additions. Conducts performance reviews, recommends performance improvements, career development, and promotional actions.
• Implements policies, practices, and operating processes and recommends changes and improvements to supervision. Responsible for compliance with security monitoring, processes, and recommendations.
• Participates in inter-organizational team assignments and educational activities.
• Identifies opportunities for additional, expanded, and new business. Aids in the evaluation and pursuit of new business opportunities.
• Supervises and provides technical direction to engineering and engineering support staff involved in design and development efforts on shorter-range or discrete product outputs.
• Assigns specific task responsibilities to engineering and support personnel to achieve work schedule requirements. Specifies, monitors, and evaluates techniques and operating procedures.

What You Need to be Successful

• Bachelors degree in STEM with emphasis in Data Science, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related field(s)
• 6 or more years of increasingly responsible professional engineering/scientific experience as a data scientist, machine learning engineer, or AI/ML researcher in any domain
• Demonstrated ability to lead, advise, and provide direction to subordinate team.
• Experience with and understanding of machine learning and artificial intelligence, software engineering, and statistics
• Proven ability to take initiative and successfully complete tasks, lead complex technical projects, and collaborate effectively.
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of customers and corporate staff.
• Proven ability to organize and lead technical tasks.
• Demonstrated initiative and strong leadership skills, with proven ability to build and manage effective teams.
• Demonstrated ability to rapidly learn and apply new technical skills.
• Demonstrated ability in oral and written communication skills.