Senior Staff / Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Job Overview

SciTec, a wholly owned subsidiary of Firefly Aerospace, is a dynamic non-traditional defense contractor that delivers advanced technologies in support of U.S. National Security and Defense. For the past forty-five plus years, we have supported Department of Defense customers by developing innovative remote sensing algorithms, tools, and techniques to deliver world-class data exploitation capabilities supporting missile warning and tracking.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement machine learning, deep learning, and AI algorithms for remote sensor data exploitation


• Design, train, and optimize models supporting image analysis, detection, tracking, and multi-modal sensor fusion


• Deploy high-performance inference pipelines for large-volume, real-time or near-real-time data processing


• Collaborate closely with C++ and system-level engineers to integrate ML/AI solutions into existing software frameworks


• Apply strong software engineering practices to ensure model reproducibility, performance, and maintainability


• Work as part of an Agile team and contribute to shared tools, workflows, and documentation


• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in the physical sciences, mathematics, engineering, computer science, or a related field


• At least five years of professional experience in machine learning, AI engineering, or applied algorithm development


• At least three years of experience working in Linux environments


• Proficiency with Python and common ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit-learn)


• Strong understanding of data structures, numerical methods, and algorithm design


• Experience optimizing models and pipelines for high-data-throughput processing


• Feature engineering and statistical tests, such as Mutual Information and Shapley Analysis


• Detail oriented with strong problem-solving skills


• Good verbal and written communication skills


• Ability to work full-time in-person at the Boulder, CO office location


• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with GPU programming and acceleration (CUDA, cuDNN, TensorRT, ROCm, etc.)


• Direct experience applying ML/AI techniques to OPIR, E/O, SAR, Spectral, RF, or other remotely sensed data


• Strong understanding of modern software engineering principles, including object-oriented design and SOLID principles


• Experience with production deployment of ML models, MLOps pipelines, or real-time inference systems


• Familiarity with C++17/20/23, especially for model integration or high-performance compute components


• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in the physical sciences, mathematics, engineering, computer science, or a related discipline


• Professional fluency in one or more additional languages: Python, Rust, or C++


• Prior experience in Agile software development environments


• A current active DoD SECRET clearance or higher

Benefits

SciTec offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• 4% Safe Harbor 401(k) match


• 100% company paid HSA Medical insurance, with a choice of 2 buy-up options


• 80% company paid Dental insurance


• 100% company paid Vision insurance


• 100% company paid Life insurance


• 100% company paid Long-term Disability insurance


• 100% company paid Hospital Indemnity insurance


• Voluntary Accident and Critical Illness insurance


• Short-term Disability insurance


• Annual Profit-Sharing Plan


• Discretionary Performance Bonus


• Paid Parental Leave


• Generous Paid Time Off, including Holiday, Vacation, and Sick Pay


• Flexible Work Hours