Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

 

For over 50 years, AeroVironment has been a leader in advanced technologies and diverse innovations that have redefined how the world drives, flies, and connects.

We created MacCready Works Advanced Solutions, named for our founder, Dr. Paul B. MacCready, Jr., to ensure that creativity and long-term thinking remain at the core of our culture. With a focus on the future, this group of select, visionary scientists and engineers partner with our customers to explore breakthrough technologies that open new, more powerful ways to tackle difficult challenges. Together, they research and develop advanced technologies in robotics, sensors, software analytics and connectivity to identify innovative solutions that push beyond the current applications. These revenue-generating projects significantly contribute to the growth of the company and stretch our imaginations to spawn new inventions.

Once conceptualized, we can apply these new technologies to other projects, keeping us and our customers at the forefront of cutting-edge innovation. We are currently working on tomorrow’s solutions by creating highly autonomous, mission-centered products that operate jointly across multiple domains, and position our customers at the leading edge of interconnected systems.

We are here to tackle the impossible…without hesitation.

Summary

The Machine Learning Engineer, Sr. will be a key member of the Learning and Active Perception (LEAP) group in AV’s MacCready Works division and lead the development of a variety of innovative computer vision detection, classification, localization, and tracking solutions for defense and commercial applications.  As a senior machine learning engineer will also mentor more junior engineers. Development efforts will require a range of skills and tools across traditional engineering, computer science, and mathematical disciplines including computer vision, machine learning, optimization, deep convolutional neural networks, and visual tracking.  This position will work on all stages of the development cycle including requirements definition, concept design, prototyping, detailed design, test and evaluation, and validation and verification testing.

Position Responsibilities:

Leads development of computer vision and machine learning (ML) algorithms capable of detection, classifying, localizing, and tracking objects of interest from a variety of stationary and mobile sensor platforms

Implements ML algorithms and validates designs through a series of purpose-designed experiments

Analyzes ML algorithms and errors of the trained models, designs strategies to overcome them

Sets objectives and develops models that help achieve them, along with metrics to track their progress

Selects appropriate datasets and data representations; supervises data acquisition process if required

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

Manages available resources such as hardware, data, and personnel so that deadlines are met; coordinates activities of others (Team Lead) and between teams as required

Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience):

Bachelor of Science in any of the following fields: Computer Science/Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or related Science or Engineering, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

Minimum of 8-12 years of relevant experience

Familiarity with C/C++ or Python required

Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot complex systems

Proficiency with a deep learning framework such as TensorFlow or Keras

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

Proficiency with OpenCV

Proficiency with Linux

Ability to select hardware to run an ML model with the required latency

Expertise in visualizing and manipulating big datasets

Computational statistics

Mathematical optimization

Exploratory data analysis

Predictive analytics

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, interpersonal and communication 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

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

Focuses on teamwork, collaboration

The salary range for this role is:

$149,760 - $224,640

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 will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR.  A “U.S. person” according to their 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.

AeroVironment Incorporated is an equal opportunity employer, M/F/D/V and works in compliance with both federal and state laws. We are committed to the concept regarding Equal Employment opportunity. Qualified candidates will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition nor disability, genetics, veteran and all others that may apply.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.