Machine Learning Engineer

nou Systems, Inc. (nSI) is a 100% ESOP company solving challenging defense problems in an enjoyable, stimulating environment. We support mission areas including missile defense, battle management, cybersecurity, test range modernization, biotechnology, and space control.

We are pleased to announce an opening for a Machine Learning Engineer who will join our team in Colorado Springs, Colorado. You will help design, develop, and deploy machine learning capabilities across research, prototype, and operationally relevant defense applications.

We are looking for a mid-level engineer with strong fundamentals in machine learning, backend software development, and data science. The ideal candidate can collaborate with teammates to move ML capabilities from concept toward usable systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop, train, evaluate, and analyze machine learning models using Python and PyTorch, writing modular, maintainable, and testable code.
• Build backend software components that support ML workflows, data processing, model evaluation, and system integration.
• Help identify, prepare, and validate training and evaluation datasets.
• Implement and adapt ML methods from open literature, including supervised learning and deep learning approaches.
• Work in Linux-based, containerized development environments using VS Code Dev Containers, Remote-SSH, Docker/Podman, and contribute to continuous improvement of development processes.
• Use GitLab-based workflows for source control, issue tracking, merge requests, code review, and collaboration.
• Communicate technical results clearly through written documentation, presentations, and team discussions.
• Support multiple project teams and help translate ML concepts into practical engineering solutions.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, software engineering, data science, or a closely related technical field.
• 3+ years of professional experience in machine learning, data science, or backend software development.
• Hands-on experience developing, training, or evaluating deep learning models using PyTorch.
• Professional experience building backend software, data pipelines, APIs, or system integration components.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong communication skills, intellectual curiosity, and comfort working across ML, software, and mission-domain teams. Our work often requires creative, multidisciplinary approaches.
• Understanding of core ML and statistical concepts (bias-variance tradeoff, data mismatch, sample sufficiency)
• Comfort with self-direction. You'll work with our top technical talent, but we're looking for evidence you can diagnose a problem and approach it strategically.
• Experience with Docker, Podman, or similar containerization tools, including editing Dockerfiles or container configuration.
• Experience with ML tools (MLflow, Optuna, or PyTorch Lightning)
• Experience with RL development using Gymnasium and Ray RLlib.
• Experience with LLMs, generative AI tools, vector databases, or frameworks such as LangChain or LlamaIndex.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, Kubernetes, DevSecOps practices, secure artifact repositories, or deployment in restricted DoD environments.

Position Details

• This is an in-office role requiring presence at least 4 days per week.
• Annual Salary Range: $100,000 - $160,000

nou (pronounced 'new') Systems:

Since its founding in 2012, nou Systems has built a reputation for excellence in innovative engineering, prototype development, and technical and professional services in multiple markets, including missile defense, cybersecurity, test range modernization, and space control. Our diverse and highly skilled team delivers state-of-the-art products from concepts and prototypes to fully developed and integrated solutions.

We offer significant advancement and personal career development opportunities within our dynamic high-tech company. Our culture is firmly established in treating our employees like family.

Benefits of working at nSI

nou Systems, Inc. offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and diverse benefits that reflect our company culture of service, excellence, and a supportive work environment. Benefits may vary based on status but the majority of our positions include the following:

• Competitive Wages*
• Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Medical plan with Health Savings Account eligibility
• Generous company-funded Basic Life Insurance
• Company-funded Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Optional Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
• Personal Time Off, Annual Leave, and Paid Federal Holidays
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Tuition Reimbursement for ongoing training, continuing education, or advanced degree programs
• Personal Development, Learning Opportunities, & Lunch-n-Learns
• Opportunities for Advancement
• Skills Development & Certifications
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach

*Final compensation for this position is determined by a variety of factors, such as a candidate's relevant work experience, skills, certifications, and geographic location.

nSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Employment opportunities at nSI are based upon a candidate's qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job and are free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. For our complete EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit www.nou-systems.com/workingatnou . U.S. citizenship is required for most positions.