Machine Learning Engineer

Job Details

Job Location IALR CMA - Danville, VAPosition Type Full TimeEducation Level 2 Year DegreeTravel Percentage Up to 25%Job Shift DayJob Category Management

Description

Due to the nature of the work performed, only U.S. citizens will be considered for this position. This role is not eligible for remote work and will be based onsite in Danville, Virginia.

 

About IALR
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation. The mission will be accomplished through applied research, advanced learning, economic development, advanced manufacturing, and conference services. Driving Economic Transformation is at the heart of everything we do at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. WE discover breakthroughs, create opportunity, grow innovation, power progress, and host greatness. Each of our divisions plays a critical role in preserving and delivering this mission daily.

 

About the Role
The Machine Learning Engineer for the Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM COE) at the Center for Manufacturing Advancement (CMA) plays a critical role in collecting, analyzing, and transforming manufacturing-related data into actionable insights that support innovation, continuous improvement, and strategic decision-making. This position ensures the integrity, accuracy, and usability of operational and performance data, serving as a vital resource across CMA’s technical, training, and industry engagement initiatives.

Working closely with engineering, technical training, operations, and leadership teams, the Machine Learning Engineer will develop data solutions that optimize internal processes, monitor performance, support client projects, and provide impactful reporting and visualizations aligned with the Center of Excellence’s mission to advance manufacturing technologies.

 

Key Responsibilities

• Data Analysis & Reporting
  • Perform data analysis to support CMA initiatives, evaluate project outcomes, and drive continuous improvement efforts.
  • Translate data findings into actionable insights through reports, dashboards, and visualizations tailored to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Analyze manufacturing process data, training outcomes, and partner engagement metrics to support grant reporting, operational efficiency, and performance tracking.
• Data Management & Preparation
  • Collect, clean, and prepare structured and unstructured data from multiple sources to ensure quality, relevance, and consistency.
  • Maintain and optimize data systems and processes for capturing performance indicators related to advanced manufacturing operations and workforce programs.
• Visualization & Communication
  • Develop visual tools (e.g., dashboards, charts, infographics) to communicate trends and insights to internal teams, external stakeholders, and funding partners.
  • Present complex data in a clear and compelling way that supports the goals of the CMA and AM COE.
• Stakeholder Engagement
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external data requests.
  • Collaborate with CMA program leads, engineers, instructional staff, and administrative teams to understand data needs and recommend solutions.
  • Support CMA leadership by providing data-backed recommendations to inform business development, strategic planning, and grant initiatives.
• Technology & System Integration
  • Support system design and collaborate with data engineers and IT staff to ensure systems support data collection and reporting needs.
  • Administer reporting systems and provide training to internal users on data tools and best practices.
  • Ensure secure and accessible data sharing across CMA functions and with external stakeholders, when applicable.

 

Work Location
We are looking for staff to work onsite in Danville, VA.

The Ideal Candidate

• Associate degree or higher in data science, statistics, computer science, engineering technology, or a related field, or 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in statistical analysis, data mining, and reporting.
• Proficient in Python and object-oriented programming.
• Familiarity with statistical tools such as R, SAS, or Stata; advanced Excel skills required (certification preferred).
• Experience working with or analyzing data from manufacturing or advanced technology environments preferred.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical data into actionable insight for diverse audiences.
• Experience in dashboard/report development using platforms such as Power BI or Tableau is preferred.
• Experience with Agile methodology and Git version control is a plus.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work both independently and as part of a cross-functional team.

 

Essential Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to operate and manipulate a keyboard.
• Must be able to move from building to building, with limited travel.
• Light physical work may be required.
• Some travel may be required.

 

 

Salary & Benefits
IALR will offer a salary of $80,000 - $90,000 plus applicable shift differential. IALR offers unique career opportunities in an innovative environment, all to support the economic transformation of Southern Virginia. Eligible employees are afforded excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage with lower-than-expected costs and participate in the Virginia Retirement System to save for their future.

 

IALR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact hr@ialr.org. Requests will be kept confidential and handled in accordance with applicable laws.