Scientist (Computer Vision)

At Areté, we are on the forefront of developing innovative solutions, with great minds from all backgrounds, to help solve the nation's most complex security challenges. We strive for an inclusive, collaborative team environment that approaches differences as opportunities for innovation and excellence. As an employee-owned company, we foster an atmosphere that propels diverse career opportunities and professional growth.
Discover your future with us.
As a Computer Vision Scientist at Areté, you will be responsible for developing algorithms, datasets, and workflows for image processing, object detection and classification, 3D reconstruction, and scene understanding. This work involves adapting existing libraries, and/or implementing new algorithms to process and visualize imagery data. You will evaluate algorithm performance, develop metrics and test data to quantify strengths and weaknesses, identify root cause of algorithm errors, propose and implement fixes or algorithm improvements as needed. You will need to work with current Python codebases, implementing features or modifications needed for algorithm improvement. Prototype emerging computer vision algorithms leveraging multiple supporting capabilities and assess performance on customer applications. You will need to prioritize multiple tasks, contribute to completion of technical milestones and prepare presentation-worthy graphics and technical briefings, with an emphasis on high-quality visualization and technical writing. This position will be based at our Falls Church, VA office and is classified as a full-time, exempt, non-supervisory position.
We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer:
Health & Wellness:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Vision Reimbursement
• Fitness Reimbursement

Financial:

• Company-funded 5% contribution to your 401(k) retirement plan
• Company-funded 5% contribution to your Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Continuing Education Assistance

Work-Life Balance:

• Flexible Scheduling
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Parental and Bereavement Leave

What We Value:

• Creativity and innovation in solving challenges
• Integrity and responsibility in all actions
• Collaboration across teams and specialties
• Responsiveness in fast-paced environments
• Passion for national security and excellence

Experiences and Background We Look For (required skills):

• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility
• BS, MS or Ph.D. in Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related technical field.
• Proficient in Python and common numerical and image processing packages
• Familiarity with modern Computer Vision algorithms and frameworks
• Related machine learning concepts and applications
• Research experience related to image processing, computer vison, or other types of sensor data.
• Ability to learn and apply programming tools and software packages as needed.
• Intellectual curiosity and desire for continuous learning
• Skilled and innovative problem solver
• Comfortable adapting to a wide variety of roles to support different types of technical projects
• Comfortable interfacing with a variety of co-workers and customers
• Confident approaching senior scientists for guidance and implementing their technical recommendations.
• Proficient in the use of standard Office software

Nice to Have (preferred skills):

• Vision Language Models and/or Vision Foundation Models
• 3D modeling and visualization
• MLOps
• Additional computing languages, software engineering practices and tools (C/C++, Test Driven Development, CI/CD)
• Detection, tracking and estimation algorithms
• GUI development
• Satellite or airborne image processing
• Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Processing
• Cloud computing / DevOps and networking tools (AWS, Docker, Kubernetes)
• GPU acceleration of image processing algorithms (CUDA)
• Parallelization, multiprocessing, and network-enabled microservices
• Proposal development and/or project management experience.

The salary range for this role depends on the candidate's level of experience:

• Scientist 2: $110,000 - $145,000 [minimum experience of BS+2 years, OR MS+0 years]
• Staff Scientist: $130,000 - $165,000 [minimum experience of BS+5 years, MS+3 years, or PhD+0 years]

However, Areté considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to the position and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.
Other Considerations
Areté is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination, and we believe every person has the right to be treated with fairness, dignity, and equal consideration.
Areté is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
U.S. citizenship is required to meet position eligibility.
Successful passage of a criminal background screen is required to meet position eligibility.
Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
Areté will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
Successful passage of a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test is required to meet position eligibility.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website because of your disability. To request an accommodation, please contact Areté Human Resources at 818-885-2200 for assistance.
Areté does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from staffing agencies, search firms, or third-party recruiters. All agency engagements must be authorized in advance through a written agreement with Areté's Human Resources Department. Areté will not be responsible for any fees or charges associated with unsolicited submissions, and any such submissions will be considered the property of Areté without obligation to the submitting party.