ML Validation Engineer

ML Validation Engineer

Location: Folsom, CA (Hybrid 1-2 days a week in office)

Must be authorized to work in the US without visa sponsorship or transfer.

Position Overview:
The ML Validation Engineer ensures the accuracy, reliability, and performance of our biometics machine learning models, with a focus on finger, palm, and latent recognition systems. This role involves developing validation protocols, analyzing model performance, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with global teams to deliver robust ML solutions. You will work closely with a team in Japan to validate models against data sets.

The ideal candidate will have experience validating biometric finger, palm and latent print ML models.

Key Responsibilities:

• Model Validation (20%): Validate the accuracy and performance of ML models, including finger, palm, and latent recognition systems, ensuring compliance with specified standards.

• Protocol Development (20%): Design and implement validation protocols and test cases to evaluate model robustness and reliability under diverse conditions.

• Collaboration (10%): Partner with global ML, data science, and software engineering teams (Japan, India, Portugal, US) to align on model requirements and validation criteria.

• Troubleshooting (20%): Diagnose and resolve issues related to model performance, accuracy, and runtime, identifying root causes and proposing solutions.

• Performance Analysis (10%): Analyze validation results and deliver detailed reports with insights on model strengths, weaknesses, and improvement opportunities.

• Documentation (15%): Maintain comprehensive records of validation processes, test cases, and results for transparency and future reference.

• Continuous Learning (5%): Stay current with advancements in ML validation techniques and tools to enhance validation practices.

This list is intended only as a guide and summary of the typical functions of the position. It is not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible responsibilities, tasks, and duties to which the employee may be assigned. An employee’s supervisor may ask the employee to perform additional duties or take on additional responsibilities without notice.  This list is neither complete nor permanent and may be amended at any time in the Company’s sole discretion.

Prerequisites:

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mathematics, Machine Learning, Data Science, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience: 2-3 years in machine learning validation or related roles.

• Certifications: Preferred certifications in ML or Data Science, with proven projects demonstrating expertise.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Language/Communication:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Ability to collaborate effectively in a cross-functional, global team environment.

  • Strong organizational skills, managing multiple tasks simultaneously.

  • Self-motivated with a proactive approach to problem-solving.

• Mathematical Skills:

  • Deep understanding of machine learning algorithms, particularly in biometrics (finger, palm, latents).

  • Proficiency in performance metrics for evaluating ML models.

• Reasoning Skills:

  • Strong mathematical and logical reasoning abilities.

• Computer/Technical Skills:

  • Must have experience creating and validating ML models.

  • Proficiency in Python, Go, and C++.

  • Experience with ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch) and data analysis/statistical tools.

• Analytical Skills:

  • Exceptional problem-solving and attention to detail.

  • Ability to analyze complex datasets and draw meaningful conclusions.

  • Experience designing and conducting experiments to validate model performance.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $83,000 to $104,000 with a target annual 7.5% bonus; depending upon the selected candidate’s relevant experience, the exact salary for the role may fall outside of this range. This role will also be eligible to participate in the Company’s bonus/incentive program(s). NEC offers an extensive benefits program and the role will also include, a Health Insurance package with options that include multiple Medical and Dental coverage options, Pharmacy Insurance, Vision Insurance, Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Salary Continuation and Voluntary Long-Term Disability Coverage, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Adoption Assistance Program, 401(k) with a 50% match up to 6% of employee contribution, 15 PTO days, 10 paid sick days, 11 paid public holidays, Continuing Education and Tuition Reimbursement, 2 paid Community Service Days, a Travel Assistance Program, Pre-Paid Legal plans.

ABOUT NEC CORPORATION OF AMERICA

Headquartered in Irving, Texas, NEC Corporation of America (NEC) is a leading technology integrator providing solutions that improve the way people work and communicate. NEC creates the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential.

With a global team of 100,000, and 64,000+ technology patents, we deliver one of the industry’s strongest and most innovative portfolios of communications, analytics, security, biometrics, and technology solutions that unleash customers’ productivity potential. Through these solutions, NEC combines its best-in-class solutions and technology to solve today’s most complex business problems. NEC Corporation of America is a wholly owned subsidiary of NEC Corporation, a global technology leader with a presence in 140 countries and $27 billion in revenues. Backed by 123 years of innovation and experience, NEC knows what it takes to change and stay ahead of technology's continuous evolution. It is our capability to leverage decades of award-winning technologies and research that has enabled NEC to remain an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) leader and through problem resolution, bring new value to people, organizations, and society.

NEC Corporation of America and its subsidiaries is committed to the maximum utilization of all human resources and the goal of Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, genetic characteristics, height, weight, arrest record pertaining to misdemeanors or status as a Vietnam era or special disabled veteran, or any other class protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

EOE-Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.