Object Detection and Tracking Engineer (R5244)

The role

You will design and build perception algorithms for autonomous aircraft, including object detection, sensor fusion and state estimation. You will work with EO/IR cameras, radars and IMUs, and validate your work in simulation and real-world conditions.

What you will do

• Design and implement algorithms for object detection, classification and multi-target tracking across sensor types.
• Build sensor fusion frameworks that combine vision, radar and other mission sensor data.
• Develop localization and pose estimation using IMU, GPS, vision and other onboard inputs.
• Interpret interface control documents (ICDs) and sensor specifications for correct data handling and synchronization.
• Tune and evaluate perception pipelines for performance, robustness and real-time efficiency.
• Work with autonomy, systems and integration teams to connect perception outputs to planning and decision-making.
• Validate algorithms using synthetic data, simulation and field testing.
• Work with hardware and sensor teams to integrate algorithms with onboard compute and sensor payloads.
• Contribute new ideas and techniques for real-time perception in GPS-denied or contested environments.

Required qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or similar, or equivalent practical experience.
• Typically 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; 9 years with a Master's degree; or 7 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
• Experience implementing Kalman Filters, multi-target tracking or deep learning-based detection models.
• Familiarity with fusing radar, EO/IR camera or other sensor data using probabilistic or rule-based approaches.
• Familiarity with SLAM, visual-inertial odometry or sensor-fused localization in real-time applications.
• Ability to interpret and work with Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and hardware integration specs.
• Proficiency with version control, debugging and test-driven development in cross-functional teams.

Nice to have

• Hands-on integration or algorithm development with airborne sensing systems.
• Experience with PyTorch or TensorFlow, especially for vision-based detection or classification.
• Experience deploying perception software on SWaP-constrained platforms.
• Familiarity with validating perception systems during flight tests or operational environments.
• Understanding of sensing challenges in denied or degraded conditions.
• Exposure to perception applications across air, maritime and ground platforms.

Benefits

• Comprehensive total rewards package aligned to your country office location.
• Full details on compensation and benefits are available from your talent acquisition partner.

About the company

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company that builds intelligent systems to protect service members and civilians. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation technologies.