--- title: 'Machine Learning Engineer at CoVar' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/machine-learning-engineer-covar-durham-ar0hdvxt0jdh' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-16' --- # Machine Learning Engineer at CoVar - **Company:** CoVar - **Location:** Durham, NC - **Posted:** 2026-04-02 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-16 - **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/covar/jobs/5097883007 ## Job description Machine Learning Engineer ## About CoVar CoVar is a small AI/ML R&D software company in Durham, NC, that uses artificial intelligence to solve problems that matter. We develop AI/ML tools to help the DoD detect enemies and threats, help biomedical researchers find new cures for diseases, and help monitor machinery to prevent injuries and environmental catastrophes. We are passionate engineers, dedicated to pushing the bounds of what AI/ML can do in the real world. ## About this position You will help CoVar develop software and machine learning algorithms to solve real-world customer problems. You will work with data, develop algorithms, evaluate results, and write the production code that goes onto real-world systems. You will have the opportunity to present your work to high-level customers in the DoD and in the industry. The position includes opportunities to publish novel work in both classified and unclassified settings. ## Qualifications Applicants should have expertise in Python (including NumPy, pandas, and other packages) and either PyTorch or TensorFlow. Deep understanding of machine learning fundamentals (gradient descent, cross-validation, ROC curves, confusion matrices) are necessary. Knowledge of classical machine learning (e.g., support-vector-machines, logistic regression) are valued. Applicants are ideally familiar with computer vision algorithms like object detection networks (e.g., YOLO, CenterNet) and modern image classification techniques. Previous experience with DoD customers is a plus. ## Minimum qualifications - Software expertise: Python and associated numerical and analytics packages (NUMPY, PANDAS, etc.); git; PYTORCH or TensorFlow; CI/CD pipelines and regression testing. - AI/ML expertise: Machine learning fundamentals; Deep knowledge of state-of-the-art in any of the following: computer vision (preferred), natural language processing, classical machine learning, Bayesian models, etc. - B.S., preferably M.S. or Ph.D in engineering, math, computer science, or related field - Excellent technical communication skills - Ability to work in Durham, NC (relocation assistance available) - Eligibility for US security clearance (US citizenship is required) Bonus skills - Department of Defense project experience - Active US security clearance (secret or higher) ## Benefits - Competitive salary, cash bonus, equity structure, and 401k with employer contributions - Excellent health care coverage, including dental and vision plans - Parental leave - Short-term and long-term disability insurance - Life insurance - Flexible work schedule - Tuition support - PTO and paid holidays Visit us: www.covar.com ## About CoVar ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: CoVar is a small AI/ML R&D software company that creates customized algorithms and decision-support tools for defense, healthcare, and industrial applications. - **Entity Type**: Private (Bootstrapped; no public funding rounds disclosed) - **Headquarters**: Durham, North Carolina, United States (with additional office in McLean, Virginia) - **Founded**: 2011 - **Founders**: Mark Hibbard and Martin Milner; expanded through acquisition of New Folder Consulting (2013) with Dr. Peter Torrione and Dr. Kenneth D. Morton, Jr. as chief technologists. ## Core Business - **Primary industry/industries**: Defense & Space, Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Aided Target Recognition - **Target customers**: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), biomedical researchers, industrial operators (B2G/B2B) - **Mission or purpose statement**: “Deliver more than cutting-edge technology – a one-of-a-kind company that delivers unique smart sensing and automation solutions to our clients.” ## Products & Services For each major offering: - **ODIN**: AI-powered decision support tool that turns battlefield data into real-time, actionable insight on friendly forces, adversary activity, ISR coverage, and mission progress. - **ACES**: Multi-tiered automatic target recognition (ATR) software with patented algorithms for detecting tiny unresolved distant targets, mid-range objects, and providing targeting information. - **BullsEye**: Software architecture that decouples mission capability from specific airframes and payloads, enabling rapid AI-powered ISR upgrades via software updates. - **ATLAS (Advanced Targeting & Lethality Aided System)**: Custom machine learning algorithms for detecting threats in infrared and RGB imagery at extreme distances, developed for the U.S. Army. - **Custom AI/ML Solutions**: Tailored algorithms for defense, healthcare (e.g., disease cure discovery), and industrial monitoring (e.g., machinery to prevent injuries and environmental catastrophes). ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly available (privately held) - **Key Metric**: Total funding not disclosed; revenue not publicly available. Notable contract: Direct-to-Phase II SBIR from the U.S. Air Force and a DARPA contract for Predictive Psychological Architectures for Decision-Making (PPADM) program (announced April 2026). - **Notable Investors/Partners**: No external investors reported. Key partners include DARPA, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, and biomedical research institutions. - **Growth Signals**: Headcount grew 25.8% YoY (26 employees as of mid-2026); LinkedIn followers increased 71% year-over-year; active job postings grew 50% quarterly; DARPA and SBIR contract wins signal expanding government trust. ## Competitive Advantages - **Specific moats or differentiators**: Over a decade of experience in custom AI/ML for defense; patented algorithms for aided target recognition at extreme distances; ability to decouple software from hardware (BullsEye); deep relationships with DoD and DARPA; small, agile team with high technical expertise (51% of staff in technical roles). ## Strategic Focus - **Current priorities and direction for growth**: Continue expanding AI/ML solutions for defense (especially real-time battlefield decision support and autonomous target recognition), while growing healthcare and industrial monitoring applications. Emphasis on software-driven upgrades over hardware replacement. ## Why Work Here - **Culture highlights**: Small, tight-knit team of engineers and scientists; values integrity, creativity, dependability, and diversity; passionate about solving serious problems with cutting-edge technology. - **Remote/hybrid/office policy**: Flexible work schedule; likely on-site/hybrid given defense contracts (offices in Durham, NC and McLean, VA). - **Notable perks or engineering culture**: Competitive salary, cash bonus, equity structure, 401k with employer contributions; excellent health/dental/vision plans; opportunity to work on high-impact national security and biomedical projects; constant experimentation and prototyping at the edge of AI/ML. ## Sources 1. [covar.com](https://covar.com/) – Homepage and technology areas 2. [covar.com/about-us](https://covar.com/about-us/) – About Us (history, values) 3. [covar.com/careers-local](https://covar.com/careers-local/) – Careers page (benefits, culture) 4. [linkedin.com/company/covar-llc](https://www.linkedin.com/company/covar-llc) – Company details, workforce, growth 5. [theorg.com/org/covar](https://theorg.com/org/covar) – Org chart, team structure ## Other roles at CoVar - [Field Operations Advisor, Army Programs](https://feeny.ai/job/field-operations-advisor-army-programs-covar-durham-ebwx57vydvn3) — Durham, NC - [Software Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/software-engineer-covar-durham-e0xnxda82mcn) — Durham, NC - [Machine Learning Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/machine-learning-engineer-covar-mclean-k6gerwpesfw2) — Mclean, VA - [Signal Processing Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/signal-processing-engineer-covar-durham-xqaedd0ghr6t) — Durham, NC - [Machine Learning Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/machine-learning-engineer-wayve-japan-va6sj7a1r86k) — Japan - [Machine Learning Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/machine-learning-engineer-deepjudge-zurich-0awj0n13n6kz) — Zurich, Switzerland - [Machine Learning Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/machine-learning-engineer-yuno-europe-qk68kdrz5rgw) — Europe - [Machine Learning Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/machine-learning-engineer-pangram-labs-brooklyn-e3hhh2tc2855) — Brooklyn, NY - [Machine Learning Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/machine-learning-engineer-gatik-ai-santa-clara-qj4vvbdeqt4x) — Santa Clara, CA - [Machine Learning Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/machine-learning-engineer-wynd-labs-remote-whe42v314npy)