Principal AI/ML Autonomy Engineer (Aerospace)

TL;DR

Principal AI/ML Autonomy Engineer (AI/ML): Developing and deploying embedded AI/ML models for autonomous space systems with an accent on model optimization, real-time performance, and flight software integration. Focus on architecting the full ML lifecycle, ensuring deterministic behavior in resource-constrained environments, and implementing V&V practices for mission-critical systems.

Location: Kent, WA | Denver, CO | Huntsville, AL. Relocation assistance is available.

Salary: $218,520 – $323,081 per year (depending on location)

Company

hirify.global develops reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles to enable millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth.

What you will do

• Act as the technical lead for embedded AI/ML from architecture and model development through deployment and operational validation.
• Identify, architect, and fine-tune ML models optimized for compute environments with strict SWaP-C (size, weight, power, and cost) constraints.
• Own the full ML lifecycle including data collection, pipeline development, training, compression, and on-target validation.
• Integrate AI/ML models into the flight software stack, ensuring real-time performance and compliance with safety requirements.
• Drive cross-functional alignment with FSW, avionics, GN&C, and systems engineering to translate requirements into validated capabilities.
• Champion V&V and assurance practices for mission-critical systems, including uncertainty quantification and adversarial robustness testing.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen, national, permanent resident (Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted refugee/asylee.
• Ability to obtain a DoD U.S. Secret clearance (TS/SCI) is required.
• 10+ years of experience developing autonomy for mission/safety-critical embedded systems.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience deploying AI/ML systems in production, specifically for resource-constrained environments.
• Deep proficiency in Python and C/C++ for model development and embedded software integration.
• Expertise in modern ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, or ONNX Runtime) and optimization tools (TensorRT, TFLite).

Nice to have

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or Aerospace Engineering.
• Experience with autonomous spacecraft operations (on-orbit fault detection, RPO, closed-loop control).
• Experience deploying ML on radiation-tolerant compute (e.g., NVIDIA Orin, Xilinx Versal).
• Familiarity with ROS/ROS2, DDS, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing.
• Active U.S. Secret or Top Secret/SCI clearance.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%.
• Stock options for all regular employees.
• Up to four weeks of Paid Time Off and 14 company-paid holidays.
• Education Support Program for continuous learning.