Sr. ML Engineer - TOP SECRET, multiple locations

• This role REQUIRES an active Top Secret clearance - NO EXCEPTIONS
• Mindbank does not respond to nor work with third party companies.

Mindbank Consulting Group is seeking a cleared Senior Machine Learning Engineer – AI Operations to design, develop, deploy, and optimize advanced machine learning models and AI solutions in support of DoD applications. Salary is up to ~$225K based on skills and professional experience; our client offers excellent benefits.

This direct hire role requires deep technical expertise in modern machine learning methods, distributed systems, cloud-native development, and software engineering best practices. The Senior ML Engineer will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to lead the end-to-end lifecycle of machine learning systems - including deployment, monitoring, and continuous improvement - within mission-critical DoD environments, ensuring scalable, reliable, and secure performance in real-world conditions.

This direct hire position requires ship (no dual citizenship) and minimally an active Top Secret clearance (a TS/SCI is preferred).

This position is 100% onsite; candidates may reside in the following locations:

• NAVWAR / PEO C4I / NIWC PAC LOCATIONS IN SAN DIEGO, CA
• NIWC ATLANTIC LOCATIONS CHARLESTON, SC
• NAVY POST GRADUATE SCHOOL, MONTEREY CA
• NAVWAR WASHINGTON LIAISON OFFICE (WLO) AND PENTAGON
• 1ST SPACE BRIGADE, FORT CARSON, CO
• AIR FORCE TENCAP, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO
• BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, DENVER, CO 

Travel: Up to 15% CONUS (occasional OCONUS if mission requires).

Responsibilities:

• 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.

Required Qualifications: 

• U.S. Citizenship required with an active Top Secret Clearance; no dual citizenship.
• Seven – 10 years of professional experience as a data scientist, data engineer, geospatial engineer, machine learning engineer, or software engineer.
• Proven professional 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.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to work in a DDIL environment. 
• 100% Onsite willingness AND willingness to travel; (Up to 15% CONUS and occasional OCONUS if mission requires).
• 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 recurring basis during shipboard operations or testing evolutions.
• Ability to comply with Navy safety requirements and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Candidates should be prepared to complete a coding exercise as part of the interview process.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with distributed computing and parallel processing.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and automation tools (GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Jenkins).
• Experience with ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit-learn.
• 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.
• Previous experience supporting government agencies or military organizations. (NAVWAR, NIWC Pacific, or other Navy C2/ISR programs strongly preferred).

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Mindbank is committed to a diverse workforce and we seek the most qualified candidate for each opening without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Salary : $160,000 - $225,000