AI/ML Engineer I

Tucson, AZ (Onsite) | Aerospace & Avionics

9/80 Schedule Available – Every Other Friday Off

AI/ML Engineer - Help Build the Future of Intelligent Aviation

At Universal Avionics, we’ve spent decades building the avionics systems trusted by pilots and operators around the world. Now, through AI Labs, we’re pushing beyond traditional aerospace engineering and exploring what the next generation of intelligent aviation can become.

AI Labs operates with the energy and speed of a startup inside an established aerospace company. We move fast, experiment often, and work on ideas that challenge traditional approaches to avionics and intelligent systems.

This is not a highly siloed environment where engineers stay in one lane. The work evolves constantly. One day you may be developing machine learning models in Python, another day building tooling in C++, testing prototypes, exploring new frameworks, or helping shape entirely new AI-driven capabilities.

We’re looking for engineers who are excited by that kind of environment. People who are curious, adaptable, collaborative, and motivated by building things that have never existed before.

You’ll Thrive Here If...

• You enjoy learning new technologies quickly
• You like building things from the ground up
• You thrive in fast-moving, startup-style environments
• You want hands-on experience instead of narrowly scoped work
• You’re excited by AI, innovation, and solving difficult problems
• You enjoy collaborating with smart, motivated engineers
• You want your work to contribute to the future of aviation technology

What You’ll Work On

• Build and support machine learning models and AI solutions
• Work with real-world datasets and scalable data pipelines
• Train, test, and optimize model performance
• Support deployment and monitoring of AI systems
• Experiment with emerging AI technologies and tools
• Collaborate across software, systems, and engineering teams
• Contribute to next-generation aerospace technologies with real-world impact

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or related field
• 1–3 years of experience in AI, ML, or software development
• Strong Python programming skills
• Familiarity with TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras, or scikit-learn
• Understanding of machine learning fundamentals and model evaluation
• Experience working with Pandas, NumPy, or similar data tools
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills
• Ability to adapt and learn in a fast-changing technical environment

Why Engineers Love Working Here

• Startup-style energy with the backing of an established aerospace company
• Opportunity to work on emerging AI technologies in aviation
• High visibility and meaningful technical ownership
• Exposure to a wide variety of tools, systems, and engineering challenges
• Collaborative team culture focused on innovation and continuous learning
• Work that directly contributes to the future of intelligent avionics

Our Quality Mindset & Core Values

✨Innovation

We advance avionics technology through creative engineering and continuous improvement.

✨Excellence

We hold ourselves to high standards in quality, reliability, and execution.

✨Resilience

We solve complex technical challenges in demanding aerospace environments.

✨“Yes, I Can” Ownership

We value engineers who are proactive, collaborative, adaptable, and solutions oriented.

Benefits & Perks

Benefits begin on your first day as a full-time employee.

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with safe harbor match after 60 days of employment
• 9/80 schedule - every other Friday off
• 14 paid holidays + vacation and sick time
• Tuition reimbursement
• Gym and wellness programs
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Career growth and learning opportunities

Work Environment

This role is based on-site in Tucson, Arizona due to the highly collaborative and fast-moving nature of development within AI Labs.

Our teams work in an environment designed for experimentation, innovation, technical collaboration, and rapid iteration.

If you’re excited about AI, building innovative technology, and helping shape the future of intelligent aviation, we’d love to connect.

Learn more: Universal Avionics

Universal Avionics’ products and technology are subject to U.S. export laws and regulations, including but not limited to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As part of our compliance process, we inquire about work authorization and citizenship status to ensure alignment with these regulations.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• Will you now, or in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status)?
• What are your salary expectations for this role?

Work Location: In person