Senior Machine Learning Engineer

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented Senior Machine Learning Engineer with a specialization in Computer Vision to join our Data and AI Practice. This is currently a hybrid position with two days onsite in Ashburn, VA and three days remote.

In this role, you will collaborate with a cross-functional team to integrate vision systems into final products to deliver mission impact. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise and experience in computer vision, a strong grasp of machine learning tools and frameworks, and a pragmatic, customer‑centric approach to applying ML models to solve complex problems.

Each day U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) oversees the massive flow of people, capital, and products that enter and depart the United States via air, land, sea, and cyberspace. The volume and complexity of both physical and virtual border crossings require the application of solutions to aid officers in detecting threats while promoting efficient trade and travel.

• Design, develop, and implement highly efficient computer vision algorithms and software primarily using Python and relevant libraries (e.g., OpenCV, Num Py, scikit‑image).
• Apply deep learning techniques (e.g., CNNs, RNNs, Transformers) for object detection, segmentation, tracking, and recognition using frameworks like Tensor Flow or PyTorch.
• Perform comprehensive image preprocessing and augmentation on large datasets of both 2D (standard images/video/X‑rays) and 3D (e.g., volumetric) data.
• Develop and optimize biometric recognition systems (face, iris, fingerprint). Integrate biometric recognition with predictive modeling pipelines for risk scoring and anomaly detection.
• Lead the integration and deployment of trained models into production environments (e.g., cloud, edge devices) using MLOps best practices.
• Develop and optimize models and inference pipelines for real‑time inference, and efficiently handle large‑scale data processing.
• Research, evaluate, and benchmark new computer vision technologies and academic advancements to maintain a competitive edge. Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (e.g., Software Engineering, Data Science) to integrate vision systems into final products.

• HS Diploma/GED and 15‑20 years of experience, AS/AA and 13‑18 years, BS/BA and 7+ years or MS/MA/MBA and 5+ years or PhD/Doctorate and 3+ years.
• Expertise in using deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, Tensor Flow, Keras) and computer vision libraries (OpenCV, Simple
  
  ITK, ITK‑M VTK).
• Demonstrated ability in image preprocessing techniques, including filtering, noise reduction, feature extraction, and handling various image formats.
• Hands‑on experience product ionizing models, including experience optimizing for inference speed, containerization (e.g., Docker), and cloud deployment platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Proven track record with 2D/3D imaging analysis: reconstruction, segmentation, detection, and volumetric modeling.
• Proficiency in Python and C++, with strong understanding of high‑performance computing and GPU acceleration.
• Experience with biometric recognition algorithms and predictive analytics pipelines.

• Experience with X‑ray CT reconstruction algorithms, 3D‑point cloud analysis and multimodal data fusion.
• Experience with GPU‑based infrastructure and performance optimization.
• Experience with MLOps principles and tools for automated model training, testing, deployment, and monitoring.
• Knowledge of specific computer vision application areas such as robotics, augmented reality (AR), or industrial inspection.
• Familiarity with a variety of camera technologies and sensor data acquisition.

• Must be a U.S. Citizen and be able to obtain and maintain a CBP (Customs and Border Protection) suitability prior to starting.

• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, or to communicate with co‑workers, management, and customers, which may involve delivering presentations.