Senior Machine Learning & Autonomy Engineering

avav; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 124,000 - 189,000; Full time

Job summary

AeroVironment is seeking a Senior AI/ML Engineer in San Diego to develop and deploy ML algorithms that detect drone threats for Counter-UAS systems. You will work with large RF datasets, apply DSP techniques, build data pipelines, and automate workflows with the San Diego AI/ML team and SW engineers.

The role sits at the intersection of signal processing, statistics, deep learning, and MLOps, training models and scaling detection capabilities. Strong Python, ML, and DSP skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in ML, CS, applied math, or related field with 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong foundation in DSP principles and techniques.
• Proficiency in Python; MATLAB experience is a plus.
• Experience with ML, statistical signal processing, or pattern recognition.
• Experience handling large, complex datasets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Curiosity and motivation to experiment with new approaches and automation.

Responsibilities

• Develop, apply, and evaluate ML algorithms for detection and signal processing.
• Analyze large datasets to support model training and testing.
• Identify opportunities to automate data processing workflows.
• Apply DSP principles to aid algorithm development.
• Analyze results to identify root causes and insights.
• Collaborate with R&D teams across disciplines.

Skills

Python

DSP

MATLAB

Machine Learning

Data handling

Communication

Experimentation

Education

Master's degree in ML/CS/Applied Math

Tools

PyTorch

MLOps

DSP toolchain

Job description

Worker Type Regular

Job Description

About the Role

AeroVironment is seeking a Senior AI/ML Engineer to support the development and deployment of machine learning algorithms that detect and classify drone threats for our Counter-UAS systems. You will work with large-scale RF datasets, applying DSP techniques for denoising and preconditioning spectrograms, building data pipelines, and identifying opportunities to automate manual workflows. This role sits at the intersection of signal processing, statistics, deep learning, and MLOps, working closely with our San Diego AI/ML team, SW engineers, and field test teams to train models, improve data quality, and scale our detection capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Help with the development, application, and evaluation of machine learning algorithms to address challenging detection and signal processing problems
• Analyze and manage large datasets to support model training and testing
• Identify opportunities to automate data processing workflows and improve team efficiency
• Apply Digital Signal Processing (DSP) principles to assist in algorithm development
• Analyze results from real-world data to identify root causes, statistical trends, and insights
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in research and development efforts

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Applied Math, or similar field with 3 years of relevant experience
• Strong foundation DSP principles and techniques
• Proficiency in Python; MATLAB experience is a plus
• Work experience with machine learning, statistical signal processing, or pattern recognition
• Strong data handling skills and instincts for working with large, complex datasets
• Curiosity and motivation to experiment with new approaches and automation strategies
• Good written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with PyTorch or similar deep learning frameworks
• Familiarity with MLOps practices (model training, versioning, deployment)
• Experience with spectral analysis, adaptive filtering, or detection/estimation theory
• Demonstrated ability to propose creative solutions to data or workflow challenges
• Exposure to Counter-UAS, radar, EW, or defense RF systems
• Passion for building impactful products that serve real-world missions

Clearance Level

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is: $123,500 - $188,500

AeroVironment 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.

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 required