Machine Learning Engineer

AeroVironment, Inc.; Centreville (VA); On-site; USD 102,000 - 156,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401K

9/80 schedule

Paid holidays

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a Machine Learning Engineer to join the LEAP group within the MacCready Works division.

The role focuses on developing computer vision capabilities for defense and commercial use, including object detection, classification, localization, and tracking across stationary and mobile sensors. The position spans requirements, algorithm design, prototyping, testing, and verification, with on-site experimentation and significant travel (domestic and international).

Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science/Engineering/Mathematics/Physics or related field with 2+ years of ML/vision experience.
• 2-5 years of computer vision experience.
• Proficiency with Python and C/C++.
• Experience with PyTorch or similar DL framework.
• Proficiency with OpenCV, scikit-learn, and pandas.
• Familiarity with Linux and Nvidia tools (CUDA, JetPack, TensorRT).
• Ability to troubleshoot systems and optimize algorithms.
• Ability to perform exploratory data analysis on large datasets.

Responsibilities

• Develop computer vision/ML algorithms for real-time object detection, classification, localization and tracking for ATR.
• Conduct data science for labeling, training, and evaluating models; design experiments and metrics.
• Write and test software to integrate ML into aircraft systems or other platforms.
• Perform additional duties as required.

Skills

Python

C/C++

Data analysis

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Tools

PyTorch

OpenCV

scikit-learn

pandas

Linux

CUDA

JetPack

TensorRT

Job description

Worker Type Regular Job Description NOTE: to qualify for this role, you must be a U.S. Citizen

Summary The Machine Learning Engineer will be a member of the Learning and Active Perception (LEAP) group in AV’s MacCready Works division and support the development of a variety of innovative computer vision capabilities (object detection, classification, localization, and tracking) and other image/video analytics for defense and commercial applications. These development efforts require a range of skills and tools across traditional engineering, computer science, and mathematical disciplines including but not limited to data management, computer vision, machine learning, optimization, and deep convolutional neural networks. This position will span multiple stages of the development process including requirements gathering, algorithm design, prototyping, test and evaluation, and validation and verification testing. This specific role also involves on-site support for experimentation and fielded systems requiring a significant amount of extended travel, both domestic and international.

Position Responsibilities

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.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• BS in any of the following fields: Computer Science/Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or related Science or Engineering discipline with 2+ years of relevant experience in machine learning and/or computer vision.
• 2 - 5 years of relevant computer vision experience.
• Familiarity with Python and C/C++ required.
• Proficiency with a deep learning framework, preferably PyTorch.
• Proficiency with basic libraries for 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 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 moderate supervision Must be a team player and collaborate effectively Excellent verbal and written skills Has effective problem‑solving, analytical and interpersonal skills Ability to work within defined requirements to complete tasks under moderate supervision 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 demonstrates a 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 Familiarity with office software and computer-based productivity tools

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 CONUS and OCONUS (Occasionally / up to 25%)

Location

Centreville, VA or Minneapolis, MN

Clearance Level

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is: $102,000 - $155,500

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.

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. ITAR U.S. Citizenship is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability obtain a clearance is desired.

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.

Careers at AeroVironment