Engineering Internship: Machine Learning Engineer

About Sightline Intelligence

Sightline Intelligence (formerly Athena Artificial Intelligence) is a highly innovative Defence technology company delivering game-changing capabilities to international clients. Sightline Intelligence is one of the only companies providing vision-based AI systems to the Australian Defence industry that combines computer vision, AI enabled geospatial data analytics and AI augmented decision support to the connected battlefield.

Founded in 2007, the company continues to grow at a rapid pace, and so here we are seeking an enthusiastic machine learning engineer to support projects for the Machine Learning/AI team. After our recent acquisition by the U.S.-based Sightline Applications, we are on a journey to grow into a global organisation and are looking for talented people to help facilitate that transition.

About the position

As an Undergraduate Machine Learning Engineer at Sightline Intelligence, you will spend time with experienced engineers to design, build, train and deploy computer vision models that operate on edge platforms. This internship is ideal for an undergraduate seeking hands-on industry experience, with potential for full-time work during university breaks and a flexible schedule during semester.

Key Responsibilities

Design, develop, and deploy robust software applications using C++.

• Computer Vision Model Training

• Train/evaluate object detection, classification and segmentation models and run ablations.

• Convert/optimise models for edge (TensorRT, ONNX, TFLite, QNN) and validate accuracy vs latency.

• Data Curation and Annotation Pipeline

• Build pipelines to scrape/ingest data, de-duplicate & quality-filter, and auto/pre-label samples.

• Edge Deployment & Performance

• Benchmark on Jetson/Qualcomm targets; profile bottlenecks; report FPS/latency/memory and suggest trade-offs.

• Scoping & Planning

• Work with senior engineers to define and break down work packages

• Estimate effort, plan sprints and track progress in Jira

• Collaboration & Documentation

• Participate in code reviews, testing and debugging to maintain high code quality

• Document algorithms, design decisions and development processes clearly
• Present demos and progress updates in internal team meetings

• Code Management

• Use Git for version control

• Adhere to best practices in code organization and CI/CD pipelines

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics or related field
• Proficiency in Python, Pytorch and C++ (coursework or personal projects)
• Comfortable developing in both Linux & Windows environments
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail and a collaborative mindset
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with Jira and Git/GitLab workflows advantageous

What We Offer

• Paid position working on defence related AI and simulation projects
• Flexible part-time schedule (~2 days/week) around your studies, with full-time opportunities during university breaks
• Mentorship from experienced engineers and regular technical feedback
• Exposure to cutting-edge AI algorithms and real-world defence applications
• Clear pathways to further internship or graduate roles at Sightline Intelligence

Information for applicants

If you are excited about working in a fast-paced, technology-driven company and want to contribute to machine-learning and computer-vision projects for defence applications, please apply via Seek and attach the following:

• Your resume/CV

• A brief cover letter detailing:

• Relevant coursework & Degree progression

• Your current GPA
• Key project highlights or links to any GitHub repositories, demo reels or online portfolios
• Your career objectives
• Your weekly availability (~2 days/week during semester; full time during breaks)

We encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply, even if you feel you may not meet all the selection criteria. At Sightline Intelligence, we value the unique perspectives and skills that each candidate can bring to our team.

Note that due to the nature of our projects, you MUST BE AN AUSTRALIAN CITIZEN to be considered for this position. Our roles require an Australian Government Security Clearance, or the ability to obtain one. Security clearances may only be granted to Australian citizens. Applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to our innovative and passionate team