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Senior Staff Engineer, Software - Perception (R3771)

A venture-backed defense technology company founded in 2015, developing intelligent systems to protect service members and civilians.
$220,800 - $331,200
Machine Learning
Staff Software Engineer
In-Person
10+ years of experience
AI · Robotics · Defense

Job Description

Shield AI, a pioneering defense technology company founded in 2015, is seeking a Senior Staff Engineer for their Perception team. This role is crucial in developing advanced autonomous systems for unmanned aircraft operating across Department of Defense domains. The position focuses on building cutting-edge perception systems that enable autonomous aircraft to operate effectively in complex and contested environments.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for developing real-time object detection, sensor fusion, and state estimation algorithms using data from various mission sensors including EO/IR cameras, radars, and IMUs. This role requires exceptional algorithmic thinking and deep familiarity with airborne sensing systems. The position offers an opportunity to work on meaningful projects that directly impact service members' and civilians' safety through intelligent systems.

Working from either San Diego, Washington DC, or Boston offices, you'll be part of a team creating situational awareness systems that underpin autonomy. The role offers competitive compensation ($220,800 - $331,200) plus bonus, benefits, and equity. The position involves about 10-15% travel to different office locations, customer sites, and flight integration events.

The company has a global presence with offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Boston, Abu Dhabi, Kyiv, and Melbourne, actively supporting U.S. and allied operations worldwide. This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about advancing the field of autonomous systems and working on technology that makes a real difference in defense applications.

Last updated a month ago

Responsibilities For Senior Staff Engineer, Software - Perception (R3771)

  • Design and implement robust algorithms for object detection, classification, and multi-target tracking across diverse sensor modalities
  • Integrate data from vision systems, radars, and other mission sensors using fusion techniques
  • Design and refine algorithms for localization and pose estimation
  • Interpret interface control documents (ICDs) and technical specifications
  • Tune and evaluate perception pipelines for performance
  • Work with autonomy, systems, and integration teams
  • Validate algorithm accuracy through simulation and field testing
  • Collaborate with hardware and sensor teams
  • Contribute to advancing real-time perception capabilities
  • Travel 10-15% of the year to different office locations, customer sites, and flight integration events

Requirements For Senior Staff Engineer, Software - Perception (R3771)

Python
  • BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or similar degree
  • 10+ years experience with Bachelor's degree; or 9 years with Master's; or 7 years with PhD
  • Experience with Kalman Filters, multi-target tracking, or deep learning-based detection models
  • Experience with radar, EO/IR cameras, or other sensor data fusion
  • Knowledge of SLAM, visual-inertial odometry, or sensor-fused localization
  • Ability to work with Interface Control Documents (ICDs)
  • Proficiency with version control, debugging, and test-driven development
  • Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance

Benefits For Senior Staff Engineer, Software - Perception (R3771)

Medical Insurance
Equity
  • Bonus
  • Benefits Package
  • Equity