Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Leidos Inc; Vista (CA); On-site; USD 107,900 - 195,050; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Senior Machine Learning Engineer to join the Security Enterprise Solutions group. The role focuses on MLOps for object detection and related AI products used to safeguard ports and borders worldwide.

You will own the full ML lifecycle, from data preparation to deployment and monitoring, and collaborate with diverse teams to deliver reliable, scalable models. Travel up to 25% is expected.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in a data science, engineering, or applied science field with 10+ years of industry experience.
• Full ML lifecycle experience from data prep and training to deployment and monitoring.
• Experience tracking experiments and model performance with MLflow for transparency and auditability.
• Experience with data versioning tools like DVC, MLFlow Dataset, or LakeFs.
• Production ML deployment using Docker or Kubernetes.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms and modern data stacks and MLOps concepts.
• Ability to evaluate approaches and guide technical decisions; strong delivery track record.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; travel up to 25%.

Responsibilities

• Develop, train, and evaluate ML models using modern MLOps practices.
• Design reproducible training pipelines for scalable experimentation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate models into production systems.
• Optimize model performance and reliability through monitoring and iteration.

Skills

ML lifecycle

Experiment tracking

Model deployment

Cloud platforms

Docker/Kubernetes

Cross-functional

Communication

Travel

Education

MS/PhD in Data Science or related field

Tools

Kubeflow

Airflow

MLflow

DVC

LakeFs

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

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 a 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

Pay Range

$107,900.00 - $195,050.00

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

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.