AI ML Engineer - Robotics and Autonomous Systems

About Us: PMAT is an innovative small business founded with a passion for developing forward-leaning solutions from exceptional people that increase the mission's capability. We focus on designing and building impactful digital solutions that utilize modern cloud, data, and software concepts. Our passion is working on complex and progressive challenges such as edge platform computing, containerizing legacy platforms, distributed data platforms, or heterogeneous data analysis. We recruit, retain, and foster a team motivated to pursue passions, investigate new ways of doing things, and embody an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit. We believe in being curious about every element of a problem and experiment relentlessly. We foster continuous learning in an environment that encourages positive collaboration and expands our capabilities. We tap into collective intelligence, acknowledging that the most brilliant people may not be in the room. Above all else, we believe that delivering and demonstrating is more potent than a sheet of paper. We are passionate about mission-centric design and delivering effective capabilities to and for the warfighter.

Whether you’re an experienced engineer or just beginning your career, you’ll work alongside experts who are committed to solving mission-critical problems. If you’re passionate about using your skills to make a real difference, apply today and become part of a team that’s shaping the future of defense technology!

About the role: PMAT has an immediate need for an AI ML Engineer. You will help operationalize artificial intelligence for robotics and autonomous systems supporting the Naval Operational Architecture. You will play a key role in applying advanced machine learning techniques to real-world naval platforms, driving innovations in autonomy, computer vision, and sensor fusion. This position offers the opportunity to work hands-on with cutting-edge autonomous systems and bring advanced algorithms from the lab to the operational environment. Your contributions will directly enhance the Navy’s capability to operate more effectively in complex and dynamic maritime domains.

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:

• 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:

• Experience with real-time decision-making systems and edge computing environments.


• Knowledge of robotics frameworks such as ROS or ROS2.


• Familiarity with data engineering concepts and integrating ML models into production environments.


• Understanding of DoD data standards and naval operational data workflows.


• Exposure to cybersecurity best practices in AI/ML systems.


• Experience deploying ML models on embedded or constrained hardware platforms.


• Graduate-level research or practical experience in autonomous systems, reinforcement learning, or multi-agent systems.

Education and Certification Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or other STEM-related field (Master’s degree preferred).


• Relevant AI/ML certifications or coursework a plus (e.g., AWS Machine Learning Specialty, TensorFlow Developer Certificate).

Citizenship and Clearance requirements:

• US Citizenship required.


• Active TS/SCI clearance required prior to start.

Location:

• San Diego, CA; NAVWAR

Travel:

• Under 10%

Work Environment: PMAT offices as needed. In some cases, work in a government facility may be required. Travel may be required for customer engagement, team coordination, and potentially for business development.

PMAT is an equal-opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people-first culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law.

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