Machine Learning II

Worker Type

Job Description
 

The Machine Learning Engineer II 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.

Duties
•    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: 
o    Analyze ML algorithms to solve a given problem and rank them by their success probability on new data
o    Set objectives and develop models that help achieve them, along with metrics to track their progress
o    Select appropriate datasets and data representations
o    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

Experience
•    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

Education
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. 

Additional Requirements
•    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 office and field environments (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 (Frequent / 50%+) including extended stays up to 60 days
 

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:  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.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems.  Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

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