Machine Learning Engineer
Job type: Full Time · Department: Machine Learning · Work type: On-Site · USD 160000 - 225000 / year
Menlo Park, California, United States
At Aether, we are building a full-stack machine learning system to predict the outcomes of high-throughput laboratory experiments. Our goal is to transform noisy, real-world biological data into reliable, auditable, and predictive systems that accelerate scientific discovery.
As a Senior Machine Learning Engineer, manage and improve the end-to-end ML and data pipeline that connects automated laboratory systems to production-grade models. This is not a model-tuning role. You will design the infrastructure, signal processing systems, and model architectures that turn experimental chaos into structured insight.
You’ll work at the intersection of software engineering, applied ML research, and computational science - partnering closely with lab engineers and scientists to ensure our systems are robust, interpretable, and scientifically grounded.
End-to-End ML System Architecture
Design and maintain a full-stack ML system that predicts outcomes from high-throughput experiments
Build data pipelines that ingest, validate, normalize, and version experimental data
Ensure full auditability and traceability across the data lifecycle
Data & Infrastructure Engineering
Develop and maintain database schemas and views that power intuitive internal tools and lab-facing GUIs
Capture experimental metadata in structured, reliable formats
Apply best practices in database design, versioning, and interconnectivity
Create clear and actionable visualizations for scientific stakeholders
Signal Processing & Data Integrity
Build signal processing pipelines for noisy, automated lab data
Develop methods to detect anomalies and quarantine untrustworthy data
Recover signal from noisy inputs using statistical and algorithmic techniques
Leverage experimental controls to validate and cross-check outputs
Applied ML Research & Model Development
Design, train, and improve neural network models to predict experimental outcomes
Evaluate and compare model architectures (Transformers, CNNs, Graph Networks, etc.)
Conduct scientific studies to validate modeling hypotheses
Improve predictive accuracy through both modeling innovation and signal engineering
Apply principles such as neural scaling laws to guide model development
Core Technical Skills
Python expertise (PyTorch, NumPy, Pandas, multiprocessing, Plotly/Matplotlib)
Experience developing ML systems in Linux and AWS environments
Strong understanding of Git-based workflows
Experience with database design (Django, SQL)
Deep grounding in algebra, statistics, and signal processing
Strong experience training, testing, and evaluating neural network models
Machine Learning Depth
Neural Networks, Transformers, Convolutional Networks, Graph Neural Networks
Model training, evaluation frameworks, and performance comparison
Comfort working in research-oriented, hypothesis-driven ML environments
PyTorch Lightning
Experience implementing or running bio-AI models (e.g., ESM, ESM-Fold, AlphaFold, Boltz)
Molecular dynamics tools (ASE, GPAW, GROMACS)
Cheminformatics tools (RDKit, SMILES, SMARTS)
Sequence alignment tools (BLAST, MSA)
Background in chemistry or physics
Experience with LLM pretraining/fine-tuning, diffusion models, or reinforcement learning
You will own real scientific systems - not just train models on curated datasets
You’ll work directly with experimental data, not sanitized benchmarks
You’ll help define the infrastructure that future models depend on
You’ll operate with autonomy and technical depth
You’ll shape how machine learning integrates with real-world laboratory systems
Aether Biomachines is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply.
The pay range for this role is $160,000 - $225,000 per year + equity, with final compensation based on skills and experience. Employment at Aether is at-will, and reasonable accommodations are available upon request. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. At this time, Aether is not sponsoring visas for this position.
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