Machine Learning Engineer

CoVar is hiring a Machine Learning Engineer in Durham, United States. Level rates it ; you can apply on CoVar.

Level's read on this job

Builds AI ●●●● is how Level rates this machine learning engineer role: the job is building AI systems.
The posting mentions PyTorch, TensorFlow and computer vision among its tools and skills.
CoVar has 5 other open roles on Level.

AI in this role

PyTorchTensorFlow

computer-visionnlp

Machine Learning Engineer

About CoVar

CoVar is a small AI/ML R&D software company in Durham, NC, that uses artificial intelligence to solve problems that matter. We develop AI/ML tools to help the DoD detect enemies and threats, help biomedical researchers find new cures for diseases, and help monitor machinery to prevent injuries and environmental catastrophes. We are passionate engineers, dedicated to pushing the bounds of what AI/ML can do in the real world.

About this position

You will help CoVar develop software and machine learning algorithms to solve real-world customer problems. You will work with data, develop algorithms, evaluate results, and write the production code that goes onto real-world systems. You will have the opportunity to present your work to high-level customers in the DoD and in the industry. The position includes opportunities to publish novel work in both classified and unclassified settings.

Qualifications

Applicants should have expertise in Python (including NumPy, pandas, and other packages) and either PyTorch or TensorFlow. Deep understanding of machine learning fundamentals (gradient descent, cross-validation, ROC curves, confusion matrices) are necessary. Knowledge of classical machine learning (e.g., support-vector-machines, logistic regression) are valued. Applicants are ideally familiar with computer vision algorithms like object detection networks (e.g., YOLO, CenterNet) and modern image classification techniques. Previous experience with DoD customers is a plus.

Minimum qualifications

Software expertise: Python and associated numerical and analytics packages (NUMPY, PANDAS, etc.); git; PYTORCH or TensorFlow; CI/CD pipelines and regression testing.
AI/ML expertise: Machine learning fundamentals; Deep knowledge of state-of-the-art in any of the following: computer vision (preferred), natural language processing, classical machine learning, Bayesian models, etc.
B.S., preferably M.S. or Ph.D in engineering, math, computer science, or related field
Excellent technical communication skills
Ability to work in Durham, NC (relocation assistance available)
Eligibility for US security clearance (US citizenship is required)

Bonus skills

Department of Defense project experience
Active US security clearance (secret or higher)

Benefits

Competitive salary, cash bonus, equity structure, and 401k with employer contributions
Excellent health care coverage, including dental and vision plans
Parental leave
Short-term and long-term disability insurance
Life insurance
Flexible work schedule
Tuition support
PTO and paid holidays

Visit us: www.covar.com

How we rate this

Machine Learning Engineer at CoVar rates 94 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Builds AI (AI Level 4 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.

Classification

Builds AI. The job is building AI systems.

●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
●○○○ Little AI0 to 39

Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.

Key facts

Machine Learning Engineer is an open job at CoVar.
Level rates this role AI Level 4 of 4: Builds AI.
The role is based in Durham, NC.
The job was posted on April 2, 2026.
Applications are handled by CoVar. Apply on CoVar

Prepare for this job

Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.

Skills and AI tools this role asks for

Computer visionNLPPyTorchTensorFlow

Also common in machine learning engineer jobs at this level

LLM Deep learning AWS Generative AI C++Spark

Pay

Typical machine learning engineer job: $197k

This posting doesn't list pay. Use the typical machine learning engineer figure when pay comes up. See machine learning engineer jobs

Questions you could be asked

Walk me through a computer vision problem you solved, from raw data to a deployed model.
What NLP problem have you worked on, and how did you measure whether it actually worked?
What are the limits of PyTorch that you've run into, and how did you work around them?
What's a project where you used TensorFlow hands-on?
How would you decide a model or AI system is ready to ship?

Adapt your resume

List these exact terms on your resume: Computer vision, NLP, PyTorch, and TensorFlow. An applicant tracking system matches the wording, not the idea.
Attach one line of real, concrete experience to at least one of them. A tool named with nothing behind it rarely survives a human read.
Lead with what you built, trained or shipped. This role is judged on the AI system itself, not the tools around it.

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