AI / Machine Learning Engineer

AI / Machine Learning Engineer

We are seeking a talented AI / Machine Learning Engineer to develop and implement machine learning and deep learning algorithms focused on imagery and sensor exploitation. This role involves designing AI solutions for object detection, classification, tracking, and anomaly detection, and building and optimizing computer vision pipelines for real-time or near-real-time processing.

Responsibilities

• Design AI solutions for object detection, classification, tracking, and anomaly detection.
• Build and optimize computer vision pipelines for real-time or near-real-time processing.
• Develop data ingestion, labeling, and feature engineering workflows.
• Support deployment of AI/ML algorithms onto embedded, edge, or space-qualified computing environments.
• Collaborate with systems engineers to derive AI requirements and validate algorithm performance.
• Work with software engineers to transition prototypes into operational applications.
• Evaluate model performance using mission-relevant metrics and datasets.
• Create automated testing, validation, and model monitoring capabilities.
• Support customer demonstrations, technical reviews, and program milestones.
• Contribute to research and development efforts involving advanced sensing technologies and autonomous systems.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related field.
• 5+ years of professional software development experience.
• 3+ years of hands-on machine learning or artificial intelligence experience.
• Strong Python development experience.
• Experience with machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, and Scikit-Learn.
• Experience developing production-grade software solutions.
• Strong understanding of Supervised Learning, Unsupervised Learning, and Reinforcement Learning concepts.
• Experience with model training and validation.
• Experience processing large datasets.
• Experience using Linux development environments.
• Ability to explain model decisions and performance trade-offs.
• U.S. Citizenship required.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or related field.
• Experience in Computer Vision, Object Detection, Sensor Fusion, Image Processing, Multi-Target Tracking, and Geospatial Analytics.
• Aerospace or defense program experience.
• Knowledge of space systems, satellite payloads, or ISR platforms.
• Experience with IR imaging systems.
• CUDA / GPU optimization experience.
• Experience with MLOps pipelines and model deployment.
• Experience with AWS GovCloud, Azure Government, or secure cloud environments.
• Familiarity with classified environments or security clearance processes.
• Experience deploying AI models to embedded hardware, FPGA accelerators, or edge computing devices.

Work Environment

This position offers a remote work environment. The technical environment includes programming languages such as Python, C++, and MATLAB (preferred). Tools and frameworks used include PyTorch, TensorFlow, OpenCV, Scikit-Learn, NumPy, Pandas, Docker, and Git. Nice-to-have technologies include Kubernetes, CUDA, ONNX, Ray, MLFlow, and Apache Spark.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Tucson, AZ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80.00 - $100.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 8, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.