AI/ML Engineer III

This role serves as the technical lead for AI/ML development on a fast-paced team prototyping new technologies – Sierra Nevada Company’s Joint Task Force (JTF) Sierra. Our charter is to identify, test, develop and deploy new products to meet current and future operational challenges, and as an AI/ML Engineer III on our team, you will serve as the primary driver for AI/ML development projects focused on autonomy, perception systems, analytics developing rapid proof-of-concept builds, and performing demonstrations. This role requires not only advanced machine learning expertise, but also the ability to operate with high autonomy, set technical direction and develop technical requirements to meet high-level objectives, and mentor SNC engineers in AI/ML practices. This role will bridge the gap between high-level vision provided by senior technology directors and help set & accomplish day-to-day execution performed alongside software, systems, and other subject matter experts. You will ensure that AI/ML efforts are technically sound, aligned with mission objectives, and deliverable within rapid R&D timelines. Role Expectations Specific to This Team (JTF Sierra) • Serve as primary day-to-day AI/ML expert & performer – other team members are AI/ML learners or strategic-level advisors • Rapidly define architecture, technical direction, and technical requirements for new AI/ML initiatives and prototypes without regular direct technical oversight • Help Program Manager/Project Engineer identify staffing, tooling, and data required to accomplish new AI/ML prototypes, help advise and manage technical risks during execution • Play a key role in shaping the entire organization’s growing AI/ML capability over the next several years 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 Lead the design and development of advanced machine learning models, including deep neural networks, reinforcement learning systems, and generative AI algorithms, to solve complex problems. Architect scalable AI/ML systems that can integrate seamlessly with existing software and hardware platforms. Provide guidance on the selection of tools, frameworks, and infrastructure. Translate high-level conceptual guidance from leadership into actionable requirements, designs, roadmaps, and technical approaches. Collaborate with other engineer functions, hardware teams, product subject matter experts, and data scientists to align AI/ML solutions with mission-specific requirements and constraints. Shape system-level behavior and technical tradeoffs for AI/ML prototypes when requirements are evolving or ambiguous. Architect and build end-to-end AI/ML prototypes quickly, including data ingestion, feature engineering, training pipelines, model deployment, and evaluation. Work with Project Engineer/Project Manager to identify and manage technical risks, develop mitigation paths, and scope prototype schedule and manpower requirements. Coordinate with existing product engineering teams to integrate AI/ML prototype components into existing SNC products and/or larger autonomous systems and platforms. Develop and oversee robust validation and testing frameworks to ensure that AI/ML models meet performance, safety, and compliance standards in real-world scenarios. Coach engineering peers, providing technical guidance and ... (truncated, view full listing at source)