Junior AI/ML Engineer

R-00168950

Description

Serve as a Junior AI/ML Engineer with a specialty in Computer Vision for the Contested Autonomy and Navigation Branch in Huntsville, AL.  Our team’s mission is to: (1) develop and demonstrate new alternative navigation and vision processing algorithms to meet urgent military operational needs to operate in GPS-challenged environments, and (2) rapidly transition this technology to operational platforms to outpace the adversary threats currently being faced in the field.  Projects involve small teams of engineers working together in spiral or agile development environments to meet aggressive customer schedules aimed at near-term field demonstrations of emerging capabilities.  Our core competencies include sensor fusion, computer vision, HW/SW integration, and machine learning.  Typical customers include Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) engineering centers, Office of Naval Research (ONR), and Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).  We are looking for a candidate who is interested in applying classic and deep learning computer visions algorithms from initial concept development through successful prototype field demonstrations.

Please note: This role is located in Huntsville, AL. There may be opportunity to telework up to 1 day/week.

THE CHALLENGE:

• Develop perception algorithms using inputs from visible, infrared, and synthetic aperture radar sensors under the guidance of senior AI/ML engineers.  Expected tasks include development of object detection, object tracking, image segmentation, optical flow, and crossview matching algorithms. 
• Prototype initial algorithms in preferred programming language (i.e., Python, Matlab, C++)
• Transition prototype algorithms for real-time edge execution on various System on Chips (CPU/GPU, CPU/TPU, etc.)
• Support field demonstrations of vision software on various manned and unmanned vehicles
• Present techniques, solutions, and results to DoD customers and Leidos management
• Develop proposals and concepts responding to customer requirements

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• BS degree in a scientific field such as computer science, math, data science, physics, or engineering with 2+ years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 0 - 2 years of prior relevant experience.
• Experience in applying computer vision to solve complex image processing problems, including data curation, data labeling, model training, and model evaluation
• Experience with state-of-the-art neural network architectures such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and vision transformers (ViTs) as well as specific high-performing open-source model implementations  
• 2 years of experience with PyTorch (preferred), TensorFlow, or similar AI/ML development framework
• 1 or more years of experience with computer vision libraries such as OpenCV
• 1 or more years of experience in Python with additional experience in C++ and MATLAB
• 1 or more years of experience working in a Linux development environment
• Willingness to travel to customer sites and test facilities (typically 1 week of travel or less per quarter)

                                             

ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience deploying to various edge processing devices including the NVIDIA Jetson family and other hardware acceleration platforms
• Experience with Apache TVM or other similar frameworks for AI/ML acceleration for deployment to edge devices
• Experience working with the Robot Operating System (ROS)
• Experience also developing algorithms that process vision measurements such as Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM), visual odometry (VO), photogrammetry, and structure-from-motion (SfM)
• Existing US security clearance (Secret or above)

CLEARANCE REQUIRED:

• U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance

At Leidos, we don’t want someone who "fits the mold"—we want someone who melts it down and builds something better. This is a role for the restless, the over-caffeinated, the ones who ask, “what’s next?” before the dust settles on “what’s now.”

If you’re already scheming step 20 while everyone else is still debating step 2… good. You’ll fit right in.
Original Posting: October 20, 2025

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range: Pay Range $67,600.00 - $122,200.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.