Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Worker Type Regular

Job Description

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

Summary

The Senior Machine Learning Engineer will be a member of the Learning and Active Perception (LEAP) group in AV’s MacCready Works division and develop a variety of innovative computer vision (object detection, classification, localization, and tracking) and other analytics solutions for defense and commercial applications. These development efforts will require a range of skills and tools across traditional engineering, computer science, and mathematical disciplines including but not limited to computer vision, machine learning, optimization, deep convolutional neural networks, and visual tracking. This position will work on all stages of development including requirements definition, concept design, prototyping, detailed design, test and evaluation, and validation and verification testing.

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)

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science/engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or related Science or Engineering discipline with 5+ years of relevant experience in machine learning and/or computer vision.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• 5 - 8 years of relevant computer vision experience
• Proficiency with Python and C/C++ required
• Proficiency with a deep learning framework, preferably PyTorch
• Proficiency with basic libraries for computer vision and 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 Jetson processors and other 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 minimal supervision
• Must be a team player and collaborate effectively
• Excellent verbal and written skills
• Has effective problem-solving, analytical and interpersonal skills
• 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 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
• Has effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills
• Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests

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
• Ability to obtain at minimum a Secret level DoD security clearance
• Willingness and ability to travel (Occasionally / Up to 25%)
• Location: Centreville, VA

Clearance Level

The salary range for this role is:

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:

We also encourage you to review our company website at 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