Machine Learning Engineer

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

NOTE: to qualify for this role, you must be a U.S. Citizen

Summary

The Machine Learning Engineer will be a member of the Learning and Active Perception (LEAP) group in AV’s MacCready Works division and support the development of a variety of innovative computer vision capabilities (object detection, classification, localization, and tracking) and other image/video analytics for defense and commercial applications.

These development efforts require a range of skills and tools across traditional engineering, computer science, and mathematical disciplines including but not limited to data management, computer vision, machine learning, optimization, and deep convolutional neural networks. This position will span multiple stages of the development process including requirements gathering, algorithm design, prototyping, test and evaluation, and validation and verification testing.

This specific role also involves on-site support for experimentation and fielded systems requiring a significant amount of extended travel, both domestic and international.

Position Responsibilities

Support development of computer vision and machine learning (ML) algorithms capable of object detection, classifying, localizing, and tracking objects of interest from a variety of stationary and mobile sensor platforms with the primary purpose of real-time automated target recognition (ATR)

Perform visual imagery data science to inform data collection, data labeling, and data selection for training deep computer vision ML algorithms, train the algorithms using the data, and validate data selection and algorithm design through a series of purpose-designed experiments. This includes:

Analyze ML algorithms to solve a given problem and rank them by their success probability on new data

Set objectives and develop models that help achieve them, along with metrics to track their progress

Select appropriate datasets and data representations

Analyze errors of the data, model, and design strategies to overcome them

Write and test software to support the integration of machine learning algorithms into aircraft (such as autopilots, payloads, or other functional components) or other systems

Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

BS in any of the following fields: Computer Science/Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or related Science or Engineering discipline with 2+ years of relevant experience in machine learning and/or computer vision.

2 - 5 years of relevant computer vision experience

Familiarity with Python and C/C++ required

Proficiency with a deep learning framework, preferably PyTorch

Proficiency with basic libraries for machine learning such as, Open-CV, scikit-learn, and pandas

Familiarity with Linux

Familiarity with Nvidia Tools (CUDA, JetPack, TensorRT) and deployment process to Nvidia GPUs

Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex systems and perform algorithmic optimization

Ability to perform exploratory data analysis, including visualizing and manipulating large datasets

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

Familiarity with office software and computer-based productivity tools

Ability to work within defined requirements to complete tasks under moderate supervision

Must be a team player and collaborate effectively

Excellent verbal and written skills

Has effective problem-solving, analytical and interpersonal skills

Ability to work within defined requirements to complete tasks under moderate supervision

Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties

Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives

Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products, and demonstrates a willingness to share the results with other team members and provide feedback and input to teammates working similar problems.

Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company

Familiarity with office software and computer-based productivity tools

Physical Demands

Ability to work in an office environment (Constant)

Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard (Frequent)

Special Requirements

U.S. Citizenship required

Active Secret level (or higher) DoD security clearance

Willingness and ability to travel CONUS and OCONUS (Occasionally / up to 25%)

Location: Centreville, VA or Minneapolis, MN

Clearance Level

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

$102,000 - $155,500

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.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

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 is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability obtain a clearance is desired.