AI/ML Engineer/SME

The Marlin Alliance is seeking a forward-thinking AI/ML Engineer/SME in San Diego, CAto provide client support to our Navy client. This is an on-site role and applicants must have the ability to obtain a DoD Secret Clearance.

Established in 2002, The Marlin Alliance is seeking to hire highly skilled individuals to support mission critical projects within the Navy. We are looking for motivated individuals to lead and support digital transformation, data science and analytics, and automation projects for variety of Navy clients. Individuals must be able to function in a fast-paced work environment and able to adapt quickly to rapidly changing requirements and technologies. Using your comprehensive knowledge of various technologies, you will design, develop, and implement solutions to support Navy mission owners in their digital transformation journey.

This role is on-site in San Diego, CA

Responsibilities:

• Design and implement computer vision algorithms for object detection, tracking, and environmental perception.
• Analyze and integrate data from various sensor modalities including EO/IR cameras, LIDAR, and radar.
• Develop scalable data pipelines and orchestrate workflows using Apache Airflow and AWS services.
• Write efficient Python code and shell scripts for deployment and automation tasks.
• Work in a Linux development environment, emphasizing scripting, debugging, and system-level operations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including ML engineers, software developers, and systems integrators.

Required Skills and Experience:

• US Citizenship required.
• Active Secret clearance required; TS SCI clearance preferred

• Six (6) or more years of experience and a strong background in Machine Learning and Computer Vision, including classical techniques and deep learning-based approaches.
• Proficiency with Python and Bash scripting.
• Experience with Apache Airflow and AWS Cloud for data orchestration and workflow automation.
• Practical experience working with Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), or similar autonomous platforms such as UAVs, UUVs, and/or Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms.
• Hands-on experience with computer vision libraries such as OpenCV, PyTorch, TensorFlow, etc.
• Comfortable operating in Linux environments for development and deployment tasks.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Proficiency in containerization and orchestration tools (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes) for scalable deployment
• Understanding of ML Ops practices including CI/CD pipelines, model versioning, and automated retraining
• Experience with real-time systems and latency-sensitive applications in robotics or surveillance
• Prior work with defense, maritime, or aerospace systems, especially involving autonomy or ISR missions

Education and Certification Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related STEM field plus a minimum of 6 years of AI/ML experience in defense or intelligence environments.
• OR a Bachelor’s degree in the above fields plus at least 8 years of relevant defense-oriented AI/ML experience (e.g., modeling, operational deployment, systems integration).

Work Environment and Mental/Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions, absent undue hardships.

• Must be able to perform work in a stationary position at a minimum of 50% of the time.
• Must have the ability to operate computer and other office productivity machinery consistently during work hours.
• Must have the ability to communicate and exchange information and ideas in an in-person or virtual setting through the use of online tools and available communication mediums.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position as deemed necessary

Job Classification:

Associate III

$170,000 - $240,000

Disclaimer:

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.

An Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities