Machine Learning Engineer/Scientist

Precise Systems is hiring an onsite Machine Learning Engineer/Scientist in Edgewood, MD to support chemical and biological defense projects. In this role, you will apply machine learning and data science to biological and chemical datasets, help translate predictive metrics into laboratory automation workflows, and strengthen lab-ready model verification through DevSecOps/MLOps-secured pipelines.

This position offers a salary range of USD 76,709 - 115,064 per year and includes core benefits such as health insurance, life and accidental death and dismemberment coverage, disability insurance, and retirement plans. You will also receive holiday pay and employee-managed leave, along with professional growth opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Under the guidance of senior professionals, perform research, development, testing, and evaluation of machine learning models for chemical and biological datasets.
• Contribute to chemical and biological R&D efforts designed to support innovation and respond to emerging threats while delivering modern solutions.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to build machine learning solutions for biological and chemical challenges.
• Develop and apply state-of-the-art ML tools and algorithms to help optimize DoD research efforts.
• Conduct internal verification and validation of models and code to support real laboratory deployments.
• Build dashboards and other graphical user interfaces that support automation for laboratory experimentation.
• Analyze biological or chemical data using Python and R to derive mathematical insights and improve system performance.
• Use DevSecOps and MLOps to integrate machine learning processes into secure data pipelines for laboratory use.
• Work with academic and industry partners to test and refine algorithms and biological systems across diverse environments.
• Perform ongoing research to keep models and analysis aligned with the latest advancements.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Computational Biology, or Bioinformatics.
• OR a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with 5 years of experience in a laboratory and/or computational environment.
• 3 years of experience in a laboratory and/or computational environment.
• Hands-on experience applying machine learning algorithms and data science techniques to physical science problems.
• Proficiency in Python and other programming languages commonly used in ML and data analysis.
• Familiarity with physical science and laboratory experience.
• Proficiency with software development approaches such as agile, git, DevSecOps, and/or MLOps.
• Advanced communication skills for working with interdisciplinary teams, government representatives, and industry partners.
• Willingness to learn new technologies and take on new challenges.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, and proficiency in PC software packages for data analysis and visualization.

Preferred

• Ph.D. in Computational Biology/Chemistry, Machine Learning, Physical Sciences, or a related field, with 1 year of experience in a laboratory and/or computational environment.
• Expertise in advanced ML frameworks such as TensorFlow and PyTorch, including application to biological data.
• Experience with bioinformatics tools and databases.
• Experience performing wet laboratory experimentation to validate software and models.
• Knowledge of automation systems and robotics for laboratory workflows.
• Collaboration experience with academic and industry partners on synthetic biology and machine learning projects.

Technologies

Python, R, DevSecOps, MLOps, git, agile, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and PC software packages.

Compensation

Compensation at Precise Systems is determined by factors including education, experience, skills, competencies, and contract-specific requirements. The salary range for this position is $76,709.46 - $115,064.18 (annualized USD). This range represents the standard pay for the role and is one component of the total compensation package.