Applied Machine Learning Engineer
Job Description
Must be a U.S. Citizen
Secret Clearance preferred
This position will to support mission-critical aerospace and defense programs. As an Applied Machine Learning Engineer, you will support informed decision-making around the application of machine learning and AI models in safety- and reliability-constrained systems. This role focuses on evaluating tradeoffs between retrieval-based approaches, fine-tuning, targeted training, and non-ML solutions. The position is onsite in Chandler, AZ and works closely with software, infrastructure, simulation, and GNC engineering teams.
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or related STEM field
3+ years of applied machine learning experience with production systems
Demonstrated experience making technical tradeoff decisions around:
RAG vs fine-tuning vs lightweight adaptation
Model scope, training data selection, and evaluation
Strong understanding of model failure modes, overfitting, and distribution shift
Experience deploying ML in environments where correctness and reliability matter
Ability to clearly communicate ML risks and limitations to non-ML engineers
U.S. Citizenship
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with simulation, autonomous systems, aerospace, or defense programs
Exposure to guidance, navigation, or control systems
Experience working with hybrid ML + classical systems
Familiarity with regulated or compliance-driven software environments
Active or prior DoD security clearance
Responsibilities
Evaluate when machine learning should or should not be applied to engineering problems
Advise teams on tradeoffs between RAG, fine-tuning, and targeted model training
Support definition of heuristics for model selection, evaluation, and retraining
Identify and mitigate ML failure modes in system and simulation contexts
Collaborate with GNC, software, and infrastructure teams on safe ML integration
Company Description We're Infinia Search. We're a relationship-driven search firm that proves that talent, ambition, curiosity, and an infinite work ethic creates exponential results for our clients and candidates. Company Description We're Infinia Search. We're a relationship-driven search firm that proves that talent, ambition, curiosity, and an infinite work ethic creates exponential results for our clients and candidates.