Demo

Machine Learning Engineer

TheIncLab
Mc Lean, VA Full Time
POSTED ON 1/7/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/5/2026
The Mission Starts Here

TheIncLab engineers and delivers intelligent digital applications and platforms that revolutionize how our customers and mission-critical teams achieve success.

We are where innovation meets purpose; and where your career can meet purpose as well.  We are looking for a Machine Learning Engineer that will focus on supporting the research, development, training, and evaluation of machine learning models used to solve complex, real-world problems. We encourage you to apply and take the first step in joining our dynamic and impactful company.

This role is ideal for an engineer who has strong foundation in machine learning fundamentals and is eager to grow by working along senior ML engineers. The Machine Learning Engineer will contribute to model development, data preparation, experimentation, and evaluation while learning how to make informed architectural and modeling decisions.

This is not a role focused on integrating third-party AI services or prompt-based systems. The ideal candidate is interested in understanding how models work, how they are trained, and how data and design choices affect performance.

Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept

As a Machine Learning Engineer, you will join our Research & Product Innovation Department and team.

What will you do?

  • Assist in researching and evaluating machine learning approaches under guidance
  • Supervised, unsupervised, and learning
  • Introductory reinforcement learning concepts
  • Neural networks and classical ML techniques such as decision trees and ensemble methods
  • Transformer-based models and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems
  • Implement and train machine learning models using frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or equivalent
  • Support the formulation of ML-based solutions to optimization and decision-making problems
  • Pathfinding and routing
  • Basic combinatorial or constraint-based optimization
  • Contribute to data pipelines for ML systems
  • Data validation and quality checks
  • Feature engineering and preprocessing
  • Applying data augmentation techniques as directed
  • Train, tune, evaluate models, identifying issues such as overfitting or underperformance
  • Apply evaluation metrics to assess model performance and make interactive improvements with guidance
  • For transformer-based systems: Assist with managing context windows and token budgets
  • Implement chunking and retrieval strategies as directed
  • Integrate trained models into existing systems with support from senior engineers
  • Document experiments, results, and implementation details using tools such as Git, Jira, and Confluence
  • Learn and follow best practices for ML experimentation, reproducibility, and software development
  • Stay curious and engaged with emerging machine learning techniques and tools

Requirements

Capabilities that will enable your success

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field
  • 1-3 years of professional experience or equivalent academic/project experience in machine learning or data science
  • Strong understanding of core machine learning concepts to include basic model selection, evaluation, overfitting, generalization, loss functions, and optimization fundamentals
  • Hands-on experience training models using frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow
  • Proficiency in Python
  • Experience working with real-world datasets, including cleaning and preprocessing
  • Ability to learn quickly and apply feedback from senior engineers
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to travel up to 20%

Preferred Qualifications

  • Internship, research, or project experience involving machine learning model training
  • Exposure to deep learning architectures such as CNNs or Transformers
  • Familiarity with experiment tracking or visualization tools
  • Experience deploying models in academic, prototype, or production-like environments
  • Interest in optimization, planning or decision-making problems

Clearance Requirements

Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen and willing and eligible to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance at the Top-Secret level. Active Top Secret clearance is preferred.

Benefits

At TheIncLab we recognize that innovation thrives when employees are provided with ample support and resources. Our benefits packages reflect that:

  • Hybrid and flexible work schedules
  • Professional development programs
  • Training and certification reimbursement e options for Me
  • Extended and floating holiday schedule
  • Paid time off and Paid volunteer time
  • Health and Wellness Benefits includdical, Dental, and Vision insurance along with access to Wellness, Mental Health, and Employee Assistance Programs.
  • 100% Company Paid Benefits that include STD, LTD, and Basic Life insurance.
  • 401(k) Plan Options with employer matching Incentive bonuses for eligible clearances, performance, and employee referrals.
  • A company culture that values your individual strengths, career goals, and contributions to the team

About TheIncLab

Founded in 2015, TheIncLab ("TIL") is the first human-centered artificial intelligence (AI X) lab. We engineer complex, integrated solutions that combine cutting-edge AI technologies with emerging systems-of-systems to solve some of the most difficult challenges in the defense and aerospace industries. Our work spans diverse technological landscapes, from rapid ideation and prototyping to deployment.

At TIL, we foster a culture of relentless optimism. No problem is too hard, no project is too big, and no challenge is too complex to tackle. This is possible due to the positive attitude of our teams. We approach every problem with a "yes" attitude and focus on results. Our motto, "demo or die," encompasses the idea that failure is not an option.

We do all of this with a work ethic rooted in kindness and professionalism. The positive attitude of our teams is only possible due to the support TIL provides to each individual.

At TIL, we believe that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and innovation. Our teams are encouraged to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to complex problems. We understand that the path to success is not always straightforward, but we are committed to persevering and finding a way forward.

Our culture of relentless optimism is not just about having a positive attitude; it is about taking action and making things happen. We believe in the power of collaboration and teamwork, and we know that by working together, we can achieve great things. Our teams are made up of individuals who are passionate about their work and dedicated to making a difference.

Learn more about TheIncLab and our job opportunities at www.theinclab.com.

  • Salary range guidance provided is not a guarantee of compensation. Offers of employment may be at a salary range that is outside of this range and will be based on qualifications, experience, and possible contractual requirements
  • This is a direct hire position, and we do not accept resumes from third-party recruiters or agencies

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