Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Leidos; Vista (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is looking for a Senior Machine Learning Engineer to join our innovative Security Enterprise Solutions team. This role involves developing and evaluating machine learning models, with a focus on production deployment and MLOps practices, to enhance border security.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in data science, a master's or doctorate in a related field, and significant experience in managing machine learning lifecycle. Join us to help shape the future of AI in safeguarding operations.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of industry experience.
• Experience tracking experiments and model versioning.
• Ability to evaluate technical approaches and guide decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Develop, train, and evaluate machine learning models.
• Design and maintain training pipelines for experiments.
• Collaborate with teams to integrate models into systems.

Skills

MLOps practices

Machine learning model training

Data versioning frameworks

Cross-functional collaboration

Public Trust access

Education

MS or Ph.D. in Data Science or related field

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

MLflow

Kubeflow

Airflow

Job description

Leidos’ Security Enterprise Solutions (SES) operation is seeking a motivated and talented Senior Machine Learning Engineer to join our multidisciplinary, highly energized, and expert data science team. Leidos is a leading innovator in deploying AI solutions, and we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technology and data-driven insights. Join our dynamic team and be part of shaping the future and make global impact in border security.

We are seeking a Senior Machine Learning Engineer to work on MLOps that support the testing and release of object detection algorithms for our portfolio of products that help safeguard the flow of cargo and vehicles through ports and borders worldwide. The ideal candidate is a senior level individual contributor and subject matter expert, who excels at taking requirements defined by business needs and generating MLOps solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, train, and evaluate machine learning models using modern MLOps practices and frameworks
• Design and maintain reproducible training pipelines that support scalable and repeatable experimentation
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate models into operational systems and workflows
• Optimize model performance and reliability through continuous monitoring, testing, and iteration

Required Qualifications

• MS or Ph.D. in Data Science, Engineering, Applied Science or similar discipline and a minimum of 10 years of industry experience
• Ability to support the full ML lifecycle, from data preparation and training to deployment and monitoring
• Experience tracking experiments, model performance, and model versioning using a platform like MLflow to ensure transparency and auditability
• Experience with data versioning frameworks like DVC, MLFlow Dataset, or LakeFs
• Experience deploying and managing machine learning models in production environments using Docker or Kubernetes
• Familiarity with modern data stacks e.g., cloud platforms, data warehouses, MLOps concepts
• Ability to evaluate technical approaches and guide technical decision-making
• Strong track record of delivery ownership and cross-functional collaboration
• Ability to multitask across projects
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Some travel is required in support of projects (< 25%)
• Ability to obtain and maintain Public Trust access.

Desired / Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Experience using Kubeflow or Airflow
• Familiarity with CNN-based machine learning architectures, e.g., ResNet, Yolo, U-Net
• Experience working with images from medical, security, or NDT devices
• Experience defining data science standards and best practices
• Experience in training machine learning models with synthetic data, that can achieve high detection during real-time inference
• Experience working on Customs and Border Patrol contracts

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.