AI/ML Engineer II

The AI/ML Engineer II is a mid-level position for individuals with professional experience in designing and implementing machine learning algorithms. In this role, you will independently develop and deploy AI/ML solutions to address complex challenges, such as autonomous systems, predictive maintenance, and computer vision. You will take ownership of specific projects, perform data analysis, and optimize models for performance and scalability. This position requires a combination of technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to meet mission-critical objectives.

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations – with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries.

Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and optimize machine learning models for applications such as object detection, signal processing, predictive analytics, and decision-making systems.
• Develop and maintain data pipelines for collecting, preprocessing, and managing large-scale datasets. Identify data gaps and propose solutions to improve data quality.
• Conduct performance testing and validation of AI/ML models using rigorous evaluation metrics. Optimize models for accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.
• Write and deploy efficient, modular code to integrate AI/ML models into operational systems, ensuring reliability and compatibility with existing platforms.
• Test AI/ML solutions in simulated environments to evaluate performance under real-world conditions. Contribute to system-level debugging and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers, software developers, and systems architects to align AI/ML solutions with mission-critical requirements.
• Document technical designs, workflows, and testing procedures for internal and external use. Share findings and best practices with team members.
• Explore and integrate emerging AI/ML frameworks, tools, and methodologies to enhance system capabilities and address new challenges.
• Train, evaluate, and optimize standard AI models (ANNs, CNNs, RNNs) for supervised and unsupervised tasks.
• Implement and test basic reinforcement learning algorithms and generative models under supervision.
• Develop and integrate signal processing and computer vision modules to enhance perception and decision-making capabilities.
• Conduct simulations and performance profiling of AI/ML models on CPU/GPU architectures, identifying bottlenecks.
• Execute validation and verification procedures, analyze test results, and support system compliance with safety and reliability standards.

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, applied statistics, various engineering disciplines, or related STEM discipline
• 2+ years of experience in a related field.
• Relevant experience can be considered as a substitute for the required educational qualifications. In the absence of a degree, a minimum of 6 years of related experience is required.
• Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
• Practical experience using machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) and applying core AI/ML techniques, including supervised, unsupervised, and introductory reinforcement learning methods.
• Hands-on experience implementing and evaluating ANNs, CNNs, and RNNs in small-scale or pilot projects. Assisted with deploying machine learning models in production or research environments.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, C# or Java.
• Strong understanding of supervised and unsupervised learning techniques.
• Experience deploying AI/ML solutions in production environments.

​Qualifications We Prefer:

• Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or related field. Experience with reinforcement learning or generative AI models (e.g., GANs, Transformers).
• Working knowledge of Agile or DevOps practices in software/ML project environments.
• Hands-on experience with at least one advanced ML technique (e.g., clustering or dimensionality reduction) in coursework or projects.
• Basic experience with GPU programming (e.g., CUDA basics) or using GPUs for ML model training.
• Exposure to generative models (e.g., GANs, Transformers) or reinforcement learning frameworks.
• Experience analyzing and processing diverse datasets to extract insights.
• Familiarity with requirements gathering and basic deployment of ML systems.
• Awareness of hardware acceleration tools and edge AI concepts.

Essential Functions:

• Work extensively on a computer for coding, debugging, and integrating AI/ML systems.
• Travel occasionally to testing sites, customer locations, or conferences (up to 10-20%).
• Ability to work in a hybrid environment and manage multiple tasks effectively.

This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs.

Estimated Starting Salary Range: $108,496.89 - $149,183.22. Compensation varies depending on a wide array of factors, such as candidates' key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications. The disclosed range estimate may be adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.

SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.

SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We’re known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation’s most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team!

SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.