Lead Machine Learning Engineer

AeroVironment, Inc.; Centreville (VA); On-site; USD 158,000 - 241,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401K with company match

9/80 work schedule

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a Lead Machine Learning Engineer in the LEAP group to drive computer vision and ML innovations for defense and commercial applications. You will mentor junior engineers and collaborate across teams through all stages from requirements to validation.

The role requires deep expertise in ML, CV, and related disciplines, with PyTorch, OpenCV, Linux and ONNX proficiency. DoD/IC experience is a plus; strong collaboration and leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CS/Engineering/Math/Physics with ML/vision experience.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in machine learning and/or computer vision.
• Advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of computer vision and ML algorithms for detecting, classifying, localizing and tracking objects.
• Stay current with academic, commercial and open source advances to keep solutions cutting edge.
• Advise on software infrastructure and DevOps for ML needs.
• Implement ML algorithms and validate designs with purpose-designed experiments.
• Manage resources and coordinate cross-team activities to meet deadlines.

Skills

C/C++

Python

PyTorch

OpenCV

Linux

Data handling

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/Engineering/Math/Physics

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

PyTorch

OpenCV

Linux

ONNX

scikit-learn

Job description

Worker TypeRegularJob DescriptionNOTE: to qualify for this role, you must be a U.S. CitizenSummaryThe Lead Machine Learning Engineer will be a strong individual contributor and technical leader in the Learning and Active Perception (LEAP) group in AV’s MacCready Works division and oversee the development of a variety of innovative computer vision and related analytics for defense and commercial applications. As an experienced machine learning engineer, IV will also mentor more junior engineers. Development efforts will require a range of skills and tools across traditional engineering, computer science, and mathematical disciplines including computer vision, machine learning, optimization, deep convolutional neural networks, visual transformers, and visual tracking. This position requires interacting with other teams within and outside the LEAP group and will encompass all stages of the development cycle including requirements definition, concept design, prototyping, detailed design, test and evaluation, and validation and verification testing.Position ResponsibilitiesLead the design and development of computer vision and machine learning (ML) algorithms to address wide range of technically challenging problems, including but not limited to detection, classifying, localizing, and tracking objects of interest from a variety of stationary and mobile sensor platforms.Maintain awareness of relevant academic literature, commercial products, and open source projects to ensure our technical solutions remain at the cutting edgeAdvise on and support design of software infrastructure and DevOps processes to support ML needsImplement ML algorithms and validate designs through a series of purpose-designed experimentsAnalyze ML algorithms and errors of the trained models, design strategies to overcome themSelect appropriate datasets and data representations; supervise data acquisition process if requiredManage available resources such as hardware, data, and personnel so that deadlines are met; coordinate activities of others (Team Lead) and between teams as requiredOther duties as assignedBasic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)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.Minimum of 8-12 years of relevant experienceFamiliarity with C/C++ or Python requiredDemonstrated ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot complex systemsProficiency with a deep learning framework, preferably PyTorchProficiency with basic libraries for machine learning such as scikit-learn and pandasProficiency with OpenCVProficiency with LinuxFamiliarity with ML standards such as ONNXAbility to select hardware for specific ML applicationsExpertise in visualizing and manipulating big datasetsOther Qualifications & Desired CompetenciesExperience working with DoW and Intelligence Community (IC) organizations on advanced technology, research, or AI/ML initiativesFamiliarity working in classified spacesFamiliarity with office software and computer-based productivity toolsAbility to work within defined requirements to complete tasks under minimal supervisionMust be a team player and exhibit leadership qualitiesExcellent verbal and written skillsHas effective problem-solving, analytical, and interpersonal skillsAble to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of dutiesDisplays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectivesTakes ownership and responsibility for current and past work productsIs committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the companyHas effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and communication skillsFocuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interestsPhysical DemandsAbility 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 RequirementsU.S. Citizenship requiredAbility to obtain at minimum a Secret level DoD security clearanceWillingness to travel (Frequently / up to 40%)Clearance LevelNo ClearanceThe salary range for this role is:$158,000 - $241,000AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.ITAR Requirement: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 requirements.Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.About AV:AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.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.We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.ITARU.S. Citizenship is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability obtain a clearance is desired.