Senior Machine Learning Engineer

The Marlin Alliance, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A defense technology company is seeking a Senior Machine Learning Engineer to design and implement advanced models for naval applications. Candidates should have robust programming skills, particularly in Python, and familiarity with cloud platforms and containerization technologies. An active TS security clearance is required. The role involves collaboration across teams to address Navy challenges, along with responsibilities in data pipeline development and ensuring high performance in operational environments. Salary range is between $110,000 and $180,000.

Qualifications

• Experience developing and deploying machine learning models.
• Strong programming skills in Python and Java.
• Ability to work aboard Navy vessels.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teams to address Navy challenges using data.
• Design and implement data pipelines and analytics.
• Monitor and optimize data pipeline performance.

Skills

Python programming

Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure)

Containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)

Machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch)

Data analysis skills

Problem-solving skills

Collaboration skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Git

Apache Kafka

Airflow

Snowflake

Job description

The Marlin Alliance, Inc. is continuously seeking talented candidates to join our elite team of Business Transformation professionals. Qualified candidates are highly encouraged to apply to our current and prospective openings listed below. Professionals who do not match our current vacancies may apply to the " General Interest " requisition to be considered for future opportunities.

The Marlin Alliance, Inc. is seeking a Senior Machine Learning Engineer to design, develop, and implement advanced machine learning models and algorithms in support of naval applications. This role requires deep technical expertise in modern machine learning methods, distributed systems, cloud-native development, and software engineering best practices. The Senior ML Engineer will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver mission-focused AI solutions that integrate into operational Navy environments.

Established in 2002, The Marlin Alliance is seeking to hire highly skilled individuals to support mission critical projects within the Navy. We are looking for motivated individuals to lead and support digital transformation, data science and analytics, and automation projects for variety of Navy clients. Individuals must be able to function in a fast-paced work environment and able to adapt quickly to rapidly changing requirements and technologies. Using your comprehensive knowledge of various technologies, you will design, develop, and implement solutions to support Navy mission owners in their digital transformation journey.

Citizenship and Clearance requirements:

• Active TS security clearance required
• Active TS SCI security clearance preferred

Location - ON-Site near one of the following locations:

• NIWC LANT - Charleston, SC

Travel:

• 15%

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand and address Navy operational challenges using data pipelines and analytics.
• Design, develop, and implement data pipelines and analytics for naval applications.
• Perform exploratory data analysis, algorithm development, and testing.
• Normalize and structure data to common standards for interoperability.
• Work with multiple data formats, including CSV, JSON, XML, Parquet, and ORC.
• Develop and deploy data pipelines and analytics in real-world operational environments.
• Deploy, monitor, and optimize data pipelines to ensure high performance and reliability.
• Implement event streaming pipelines using Apache Kafka, AWS Kinesis, RabbitMQ, or ZeroMQ.
• Utilize distributed computing platforms such as AWS Lambda, Dask, or Spark.
• Leverage cloud-native tools including AWS S3, RDS, EFS, SNS, and SQS.
• Utilize data pipeline frameworks such as AirByte, Apache Airflow, dbt, Apache Iceberg, and Snowflake.
• Work with GIS data using ArcGIS, PostGIS, and related tooling.
• Implement containerized environments using Docker or Kubernetes.
• Apply cybersecurity principles in the context of secure DoD data applications.
• Communicate findings and engineering solutions effectively with technical and mission stakeholders.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Experience as a data scientist, data engineer, geospatial engineer, machine learning engineer, or software engineer.
• Proven experience developing and deploying algorithms, mathematical models, or machine learning models in real-world applications.
• Strong programming skills in Python.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) or containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Familiarity with software engineering best practices, including Git.
• Strong programming skills in Java, C++, Go, or Rust.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to safely carry tools, equipment, and materials aboard ship, including ascending and descending shipboard ladders(stairwells) and navigating confined spaces while maintaining required points of contact. Tools and equipment will weigh no more than 50 lbs.
• Ability to perform required work aboard Navy vessels and in shipboard environments, including navigating narrow passageways, ascending and descending ladders (stairwells), working on elevated platforms, and operating in variable sea conditions.
• Ability to perform activities on a recurring basis during shipboard operations or testing evolutions.
• Ability to comply with Navy safety requirements and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Candidates should be prepared to complete a coding exercise as part of the interview process.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience with distributed computing and parallel processing.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and automation tools (GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Jenkins).
• Experience with ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit-learn.
• Experience with cloud-native architecture and software API design.
• Experience integrating machine learning into operational DoD systems or edge computing environments.
• Familiarity with DoD AI strategies, MLOps, or data engineering in secure environments.
• Previous experience supporting government agencies or military organizations. (NAVWAR, NIWC Pacific, or other Navy C2/ISR programs strongly preferred).

Education and Certification Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Data Science, Geography, Math, Machine Learning, or Statistics, OR Equivalent years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree
• Additional certifications in cloud, data engineering, GIS, or cybersecurity are a plus

Job Classification:

Associate II
$110,000 - $180,000

Disclaimer:

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.

An Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities