Machine Learning Engineer

avav; Jessup (MD); On-site; USD 150,000 - 262,500; Full time

Job summary

AeroVironment, based in California, is seeking a Software Engineer 3 with ML/AI experience for our PRIME contract. You will design and build robust software using Java and Python, applying ML/AI techniques to cyber defense tasks and mission-critical systems.

The role involves working on multicloud provisioning, DevOps, and containerization in a hybrid environment with AWS and Azure. TS/SCI clearance with polygraph is required.

Qualifications

• Twenty years experience as a SWE in programs of similar scope and complexity.
• BS in Computer Science or related field; or equivalent SWE experience.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph.
• Strong Java and Python development skills with OO concepts.
• Experience with ML/AI libraries and frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate models for speed, accuracy, security, and compliance.
• Design and develop ML/AI algorithms for mission-critical systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in Agile environments.
• Prototype and deploy ML/AI solutions across hybrid cloud infra (AWS/Azure).
• Document experiment results and maintain technical docs.

Skills

Java

Python

OO programming

ML/AI experience

Agile methodology

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related discipline

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

Azure

GCP

GitLab

Jenkins

Maven

Jira

Confluence

Job description

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

AV is seeking a Software Engineer 3 with Machine Learning (ML) & Artificial Intelligence (AI) experience, for our PRIME contract. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing and developing robust software solutions that leverage ML and AI techniques to enhance cyber defense and cyber intelligence solutions. This role requires a deep understanding of both programming languages, as well as experience in implementing ML/AI algorithms and frameworks.

You will be part of a talented software team focused on developing solutions to innovate mission-critical systems and applications. Those interested in this position should be comfortable with change and learning new technologies, as this opportunity is focused on finding innovative solutions to our customer's toughest challenges.

The team will also address additional challenges related to provisioning of infrastructure and cloud migration within a hybrid, multi-cloud environment (e.g., VMware, AWS & Azure), Cyber Threat Intelligence, DevOps, and Containerization & Orchestration. If you are a software engineer with experience in both Java and Python, have experience in ML and AI, and are interested in solving new challenges, we certainly would like to have you as a part of our team.

Job Responsibilities

• Evaluating models for applicability to mission problems, including speed, accuracy, security, and compliance.
• Understanding of standard AI / ML data formats for models, weights, and data interchange.
• Applying industry standard techniques for compressing and fine-tuning models to fit target platforms, including CPU-only implementations and edge devices.
• Optimizing performance and efficiency of ML/AI models through continuous testing and refinement.
• Designing and developing ML and AI algorithms and integrating those ML and AI algorithms into systems to solve emerging mission critical problems.
• Providing Leadership and support for corporate AI efforts, including the AI Working Group, Innovation Center, and proposal activities.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to understand business requirements and translate them into technical solutions.
• Conducting research and experiments to identify and evaluate the most suitable ML/AI techniques for specific use cases.
• Staying up to date with the latest advancements in ML/AI technologies and best practices. Researching new technologies, understanding emerging challenges to mission critical solutions, and quick reaction problem identification & resolution.
• Analyzing, designing, developing, testing, deploying, and maintaining Java & Python based innovative solutions to address emerging mission challenges, using industry best practices and frameworks.
• Documenting experiment results, prototype software solutions and ensuring that all technical documentation (i.e., configuration guides, install guides) meet requirements.
• Collaborating with other team members and stakeholders to jointly solve problems and find solutions as a team.
• Working collaboratively in an Agile development environment.

Position Requirements

• Twenty years experience as a SWE in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity is required.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related discipline from an accredited college or university is required. Four (4) years of additional SWE experience on projects with similar software processes may be substituted for a bachelor's degree.
• Deep understanding of AI/ML capabilities within client environment.
• Strong software development skills with Java, Python, Object Oriented Programming concepts and patterns.
• Experience with machine learning libraries and frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, or similar.
• Solid understanding of data structures, algorithms, and computational complexity.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with keen attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaborate effectively within a team environment.
• Experience in the full SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle) that includes Requirements Analysis, Design, Coding, Testing, Implementation, Maintenance with the Agile Methodology.
• An active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph.

Desired Skills

• Good understanding of software project management tools (GitLab, Jenkins, Maven, Jira, Confluence).
• Previous experience in developing and deploying ML/AI models in real-world applications.
• Knowledge of distributed computing frameworks such as Apache Spark or Hadoop.
• Knowledge of data science workflows, ETL, and data lakes.
• Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.
• Familiarity with containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes.
• Contributions to open-source projects or active participation in the developer community.

Additional Information

• Work performed in contractor facility in Annapolis Junction.
• Software development on low and high side to build innovative solutions in both environments.
• Working in both AWS and Azure environments.
• Opportunity for partial telework.

Salary Range

$150,000.00 - $262,500.00

The pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Determination of official compensation or salary relies on several factors including, but not limited to, level of position, job responsibilities, geographic location, scope of relevant work experience, educational background, certifications, contract‑specific affordability, organizational requirements, alignment with local internal equity as well as alignment with market data.

Benefits

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) company match and contributions, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.

Our compensation package also includes components designed to support employees’ total well‑being, which should be considered when evaluating our competitive benefits package. These benefits include health insurance, life insurance, disability, company holiday and paid time off, parental leave, professional development/training reimbursements, and other work/life programs.

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 will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine‑launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand‑launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real‑time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

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.

U.S. Citizenship required