Principal AI/ML Autonomy Engineer

Role Overview

• You are the accountable technical lead for embedded AI/ML from architecture and model development through deployment and operational validation
• Define and execute the technical roadmap
• Identify, architect and fine tune embedded ML models optimized for the compute environment, balancing inference performance against strict SWaP-C (size, weight, power, and cost) constraints
• Own the full ML lifecycle including data collection and pipeline development, model architecture, training, compression and quantization, hardware-aware optimization, and on-target validation
• Integrate AI/ML models directly into the flight software stack, ensuring real-time performance, deterministic behavior, and compliance with safety and reliability requirements
• Drive cross-functional technical alignment with FSW, avionics, ground systems, GN&C, and systems engineering, translating autonomous operations requirements into deployable, validated AI capabilities
• Champion V&V and assurance practices for AI/ML in mission-critical, high-consequence space systems including uncertainty quantification, fault detection and isolation, runtime assurance, and adversarial robustness testing
• Serve as the technical authority and force multiplier across the broader AI, FSW & Autonomy team, setting the bar, unblocking peers, and accelerating delivery through influence and expertise
• Represent Blue National Security's AI/ML capability to government customers, program offices, and external partners

Requirements

• B.S. in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical field
• 10+ years in developing autonomy for mission/safety-critical embedded systems
• 5+ years of hands-on experience developing and deploying AI/ML systems in a production environment with demonstrated emphasis on embedded or resource-constrained environments
• Demonstrated experience deploying ML models on embedded flight or mission-critical hardware such as edge GPUs, FPGAs, DSPs, or radiation-tolerant processors under real-world performance constraints
• Deep proficiency in Python and C/C++ for both model development and embedded software integration
• Expertise in modern ML frameworks including PyTorch, TensorFlow, or ONNX Runtime
• Hands-on experience with model optimization for edge deployment: quantization, pruning, TensorRT, TFLite, or equivalent toolchains
• Proven ability to operate within real-time, resource-constrained software environments such as RTOS, bare-metal, or safety-critical OS
• Demonstrated ability to lead through technical influence, driving architectural decisions, aligning cross-functional stakeholders, and delivering results without relying on organizational authority
• Strong technical communication skills with the ability to brief executive leadership, government customers, and engineering peers with equal clarity and confidence
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Tech Stack

• Python
• PyTorch
• RTOS
• Tensorflow

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Short and long-term disability
• 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%
• Education Support Program
• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays
• Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation.