Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Job ID: 2600921

Location: SAN DIEGO, CA, US

Date Posted: 2026-01-29

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Machine Learning Engineer

Schedule: Full-time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No

Minimum Clearance Required: Top Secret

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: TS/SCI

Potential for Remote Work: No

Description

SAIC is seeking a Top s ecret cleared AI/Machine Learning Subject Matter Expert in support of NAVWAR's Naval Operational Architecture (NOA) Program in San Diego, CA.

In this role, you'll help drive the innovation of autonomous, AI-enabled systems for the Naval Operational Architecture that supports distributed maritime operations. You will translate sensor-derived data into real-time decision triggers, supporting initiatives. Your contributions will play a pivotal role in enhancing the Navy's command networks with AI-driven analysis, prioritizing speed, resilience, and operational superiority. In this mission-critical position, your expertise will help shape the future of autonomous naval warfare and analytic decision support. This is a recently awarded contract, funded for five years.

Work is performed on site in San Diego, CA.

Please view our program page for more information and to view all open positions available:

Job Duties:

• Design, develop, and implement machine learning models and algorithms for naval applications.
• Develop and deploy algorithms, mathematical models, and machine learning models into real-world operational environments.
• Perform data preprocessing, feature engineering, model evaluation, and validation.
• Collaborate with engineers, data scientists, and mission stakeholders to align ML solutions with operational requirements.
• Develop cloud-native ML pipelines using AWS, Azure, Docker, Kubernetes, or equivalent platforms.
• Implement ML solutions using frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and scikit-learn.
• Contribute to distributed computing and parallel processing approaches to optimize ML model performance.
• Participate in CI/CD pipeline development, automation, and DevSecOps workflows.
• Apply cybersecurity principles in the design and deployment of machine learning systems.
• Provide documentation, technical reports, and engineering artifacts consistent with PMAT and government standards.
• Stay current with advancements in machine learning, data science, and emerging technologies relevant to naval and DoD applications.
  
  

Qualifications

Required Skills and Experience:

• At least 10 years of experience as a data scientist, data engineer, geospatial engineer, machine learning engineer, or software engineer.
• Proven experience developing and deploying algorithms, mathematical models, or machine learning models in real-world applications.
• Strong programming skills in Python.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) or containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Familiarity with software engineering best practices, including Git.
• Experience with ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit-learn.
• Strong programming skills in Java, C , Go, or Rust.
• Experience with distributed computing and parallel processing.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and automation tools (GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Jenkins).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Previous experience supporting government agencies or military organizations.
• Ability to safely carry tools, equipment, and materials aboard ship, including ascending and descending shipboard ladders(stairwells) and navigating confined spaces while maintaining required points of contact. Tools and equipment will weigh no more than 50 lbs.
• Ability to perform required work aboard Navy vessels and in shipboard environments, including navigating narrow passageways, ascending, and descending ladders (stairwells), working on elevated platforms, and operating in variable sea conditions.
• Ability to perform activities on a reoccurring basis during shipboard operations or testing evolutions.
• Ability to comply with Navy safety requirements and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
  
  

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience with cloud-native architecture and software API design.
• Experience integrating machine learning into operational DoD systems or edge computing environments.
• Familiarity with DoD AI strategies, MLOps, or data engineering in secure environments.
• Experience supporting NAVWAR, NIWC Pacific, or other Navy C2/ISR programs.
  
  

Education and Certification Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Computer Science, Machine Learning, or Statistics.
• Advanced degrees (MS/PhD) in related fields are preferred but not required.
• Additional certifications in cloud, cybersecurity, AI/ML, or DevSecOps are a plus if required by contract.
  
  

Citizenship and Clearance Requirements:

• ship.
• No dual citizenship.
• Active DoD TS w/ SCI eligibility highly preferred.
  
  

Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

SAIC is a premier technology integrator providing full life cycle services and solutions in the technical, engineering, intelligence, and enterprise information technology markets. SAIC is Redefining Ingenuity through its deep customer and domain knowledge to enable the delivery of systems engineering and integration offerings for large, complex projects. SAIC's approximately 15,000 employees are driven by integrity and mission focus to serve customers in the U.S. federal government. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $4.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For information on the benefits SAIC offers, see .