The Geotypical Production Modeler’s primary role is to produce “Area-of-Interest” and wide area feature population of the Company’s visual database using geographic information system software and advanced feature population processes/tools using machine learning and automation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision to execute both program and internal tasks within milestones and deadlines.
• Use of Machine Learning and ML Model Training:
  • Data Collection and Annotation: Collecting and annotating training data, ensuring it's clean, labeled correctly, and sufficient for model training. This would most likely be in the form of vector and/or raster data related to features.
  • Data Preprocessing: Cleaning, normalizing, and preparing the data for model training, including handling missing values and outliers. This would be from the collection and analysis and would be passed back to the DAML team to update model for the featureGen tool.
  • Quality Assurance: Conducting quality assurance checks on data and models to identify issues and ensure the reliability and accuracy of outputs.
  • Feedback Loop Management: Establishing and maintaining feedback loops to incorporate insights from model performance and user feedback into iterative improvements of the machine learning pipeline - mainly from the use or interaction with the featureGen tool.
  • Collaboration: Collaborating with cross-functional teams, such as data the DAML team and Integration team(s).
• Understanding of all Program Input (Spec Pointers, SME Input, Site Photo Surveys/other reference, Geospecific pointers, Maps & Charts, and other internal resources) as it relates to Geotypical production and QA processes.
• Production of “Area-of-Interest” and wide area feature population using advanced feature population processes/tools. Elements including but not limited to, powerlines, railroads, walls, highways, point trees, ML generated trees, building generation, rooftop clutter, vector bridges, and lightmaps.
• Feature processing and QA support/revisions for all Geotypical feature content.
• Resolve Geotypical production content DRs (discrepancy reports).
• Geotypical Production support relating to internal tool development, testing, and research for potential 3rd party software options.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION:

• Strong collaborative, critical thinking, and organizational skills.
• Expertise in QGIS and/or ESRI ArcGIS geographic information system software.
• Expertise with the Geotypical production tools and processes.
• An understanding of 3D visual composition as it relates to real world data for simulation. (i.e., relative scaling, spatial orientation, color, texture)
• Basic knowledge and experience using the Cygwin bash shell.
• Basic knowledge and experience using Perforce revision control.
• Experience working in a Microsoft Windows based environment.
• United States citizenship required, due to restrictions on access to certain data and information.

DESIRED COMPETENCIES:

• Use of QGIS and/or ESRI ArcGIS geographic information system software.
• Use of Jira Issue and Project tracking software.
• Basic scripting and macro creation knowledge.
• Use of Confluence corporate wiki.
• Use of Microsoft Office. (MSExcel/MSWord)

SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS:

• None

REQUIRED EDUCATION, ELIGIBILITY AND EXPERIENCE:

• BA or BS degree from accredited college or university or equivalent employment history

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS 

$70,000 - $90,000 USD per year

The above range is specific to CALIFORNIA and may not be applicable to other locations. The pay scale for this role is between $70,000 - $90,000. Final compensation is based on factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, and experience. 

We offer a very attractive compensation package including competitive base salary, company performance-based profit sharing, 401k, 100% employer paid health benefits.

The Data Annotator / Geospatial Annotation Specialist plays a critical role in the creation of high-quality training datasets used to develop and refine Aechelon’s machine learning and computer vision models. This role supports both the Advanced Model Development Group and the Applied Real-Time Vision Group, ensuring datasets for object detection, segmentation, and classification are accurate, consistent, and production-ready.

The Specialist performs detailed vector annotation, image segmentation, and dataset preparation while adhering to strict quality standards. Because model performance is highly dependent on high-quality annotation, this role requires exceptional attention to detail and a strong understanding of geospatial imagery.

In addition to dataset creation, the Specialist will learn core machine learning concepts and gain experience operating inference tools and models within the DAML pipeline, becoming a direct contributor to model evaluation and workflow improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Create precise vector annotations and segmentation masks for training computer vision and object detection models.
• Perform detailed image segmentation, manually labeling features across large and varied imagery datasets.
• Follow established annotation guidelines and maintain consistency across global AOIs.
• Validate and refine automated detection outputs; correct errors or incomplete detections.
• Work with ML team to understand annotation needs, edge cases, and quality thresholds.
• Learn how to operate model inference tools and assist in evaluating model performance.
• Provide feedback on false positives/negatives, detection weaknesses, and annotation ambiguities.
• Maintain structured documentation of annotation processes, datasets, feature definitions, and QA results.
• Support improvements to dataset pipelines and annotation workflows through iterative refinement and testing.
• Assist multiple DAML groups as needed, depending on dataset demands and model development cycles.

Required Qualifications

• Background in GIS, Remote Sensing, Image Analysis, Digital Art, Photography, or related field (degree preferred but not required with strong experience).
• Prior experience with image annotation, data labeling, GIS feature extraction, or segmentation workflows.
• Ability to visually identify subtle features in imagery with extreme precision.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work with large datasets for extended periods while maintaining accuracy and focus.

Required Skills and Tools

• Adobe Photoshop (Advanced): Expertise in mask creation, polygon tracing, color differentiation, clean-up workflows, and segmentation editing.
• GIS Tools (Intermediate+): Ability to work in QGIS, ERDAS Imagine, or Global Mapper for spatial visualization and annotation support.
• Geospatial Data Handling: Ability to work with shapefiles, GeoPackages, raster datasets, and other formats used in ML workflows.
• Python (Basic–Intermediate): Ability to run scripts, perform data checks, and assist with pre-processing tasks.
• Documentation Tools: Proficiency using Jupyter Notebook and Git for tracking annotation notes and revisions.

Strongly Desired Skills and Tools

• Experience creating training datasets for machine learning, object detection, or image segmentation models.
• Familiarity with YOLO, PyTorch, or fast.ai (conceptual knowledge acceptable).
• Ability to create simple scripts to automate annotation steps or pre-processing tasks.
• Experience using ChatGPT or other LLMs to improve workflows, generate helper scripts, or automate documentation.
• Understanding of geospatial features such as vegetation, buildings, vehicles, aircraft, or other runtime elements.

Reporting Expectations

The Specialist reports jointly to managers in the Advanced Model Development and Applied Real-Time Vision groups depending on project assignment. Regular updates are expected on dataset progress, annotation quality, workflow blockers, and model evaluation findings. The Specialist is expected to meet annotation quotas while maintaining strict accuracy and quality standards.

We are looking for a Senior Program Manager / Project Manager to lead the coordination, planning, and delivery of multiple high-impact software initiatives. This role operates at the intersection of engineering, systems, and operations — ensuring that complex, interdependent projects move forward efficiently and deliver on our commitments. The ideal candidate is a strategic problem solver and an execution leader who excels at bringing order to ambiguity, managing competing priorities, and driving programs from concept through successful delivery.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Partner with engineering, systems, and product teams to translate program goals into actionable plans, milestones, and deliverables.
• Coordinate multiple concurrent projects with many moving parts — ensuring dependencies are managed and schedules stay on track.
• Drive clarity and focus across teams by proactively identifying risks, resolving blockers, and communicating priorities.
• Manage program-level communication and reporting to ensure visibility across technical and leadership stakeholders.
• Work closely with the Software Infrastructure and QA teams to support testing, release management, and process improvement.
• Triage and prioritize issues from field operations, balancing customer support and ongoing development timelines.
• Facilitate cross-functional planning sessions, retrospectives, and status reviews to maintain alignment and accountability.
• Champion operational excellence and continuous improvement across development processes and tools.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 5-7+ years of experience in program or project management roles, ideally within a software or technology development environment.
• Demonstrated success managing multiple complex workstreams simultaneously.
• Proven ability to drive results and accountability across cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Strong understanding of software development, testing, and release methodologies.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills, with a focus on execution and delivery.
• Experience using Jira, Confluence, or similar project management tools.
• Eligibility to work with export-controlled technology.
• Experience with 3D, 2D, or geographic content creation tools such as Maya, Presagis Creator, Photoshop, QGIS, ArcMap, Global Mapper.

BONUS POINTS

• Experience in real-time graphics, simulation, or video game development.
• Familiarity with Jira, Perforce, Visual Studio, Jenkins, or other software development tools.

Background in Computer Science or related field; programming experience with Python or C++ is a plus.