Multi‑Target Tracking & Sensor Fusion Engineer (R4172) at Shield AI

Dallas, Texas, United States

Shield AI Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Defense, Aerospace, Autonomous SystemsIndustries

Requirements

  • Strong to expert proficiency in modern C++ (C++11 or newer) and object-oriented design principles
  • Professional experience deploying C++ software into embedded or real-time systems, ideally for DoD or aerospace applications
  • Hands-on experience designing and implementing state estimation algorithms (e.g., KF, EKF, UKF, ESKF) for real-world systems
  • Demonstrated ability to develop, optimize, and maintain complex tracking or sensor fusion algorithms
  • Experience with CI pipelines, automated testing frameworks, and high-reliability software practices
  • Familiarity with MATLAB or Python for prototyping (primary development experience must be in C++; MATLAB-dominant backgrounds unlikely to fit)
  • Deep expertise in target state estimation, multi-sensor data fusion, and tracking theory (e.g., Bayesian filtering, statistical inference, association algorithms, dynamics modeling)
  • Strong proficiency in modern C++ for production deployment
  • Preferred qualifications
  • Experience designing, developing, and deploying multi-target tracking systems for defense applications across air, maritime, ground, or space domains
  • Familiarity with tracking architectures for radar, EO/IR, acoustic, RF, AIS, ADS-B, or ELINT sensors
  • Experience building and tuning error budgets, developing performance models, and conducting sensitivity analyses for estimation/tracking accuracy
  • Hands-on experience implementing and optimizing multi-hypothesis tracking (MHT), joint probabilistic data association (JPDA), or random finite set (RFS)-based filters
  • Exposure to distributed or hierarchical fusion, including track-to-track fusion or multi-platform coordination
  • Experience supporting requirements derivation, verification, and validation of tracking systems in DoD or IC programs

Responsibilities

  • Research, design, and implement state-of-the-art multi-target tracking and data association algorithms
  • Develop production-quality C++ software for deployed military aviation platforms, ensuring deterministic, real-time performance
  • Build and maintain comprehensive unit, integration, and system-level tests validating algorithm correctness and robustness
  • Enhance and calibrate sensor models within advanced simulation and HWIL environments
  • Collaborate on feature planning, decomposition, and milestone execution within an agile development framework
  • Contribute to flight-test planning, performance analysis, benchmarking, and regression evaluation
  • Help drive the technical roadmap and develop high-performance tracking algorithms
  • Evaluate system performance across simulation, HITL, and flight test environments
  • Mentor teammates commensurate with level
  • (Principal-level) Provide technical leadership, design reviews, algorithmic mentorship, and subject-matter expertise across the autonomy organization

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Multi-Target TrackingSensor FusionBayesian FilteringStatistical InferenceData Association AlgorithmsDynamics ModelingC++Real-Time SystemsUnit TestingIntegration TestingSimulationHITLFlight Testing

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What programming skills are required for this role?

The position requires strong to expert proficiency in modern C++ (C++11 or newer) and object-oriented design principles, along with professional experience deploying C++ software into embedded or real-time systems.

What expertise is needed in tracking and sensor fusion?

Candidates need deep expertise in target state estimation, multi-sensor data fusion, and tracking theory such as Bayesian filtering, statistical inference, association algorithms, and dynamics modeling, plus hands-on experience with state estimation algorithms like KF, EKF, UKF, ESKF.

Is this a remote position or does it require working in an office?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What is the salary or compensation for this role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What experience makes a strong candidate for this position?

Strong candidates have professional experience in DoD or aerospace applications, familiarity with CI pipelines, automated testing, high-reliability practices, and MATLAB or Python, plus the ability to provide technical leadership at principal level.

Shield AI

Develops AI and autonomous systems for defense

About Shield AI

Shield AI specializes in creating artificial intelligence and autonomous systems specifically for the defense industry. The company develops AI-powered systems, including autonomous drones, that assist military operations, especially in environments where GPS and communication may not be available. This technology allows for safer and more efficient defense operations. Shield AI differentiates itself from competitors by focusing on advanced AI capabilities and securing significant contracts with government and military clients, such as the multi-billion dollar EWAAC contract. The company's goal is to enhance operational capabilities and safety in military contexts, ultimately aiming to protect lives through its innovative solutions.

San Diego, CaliforniaHeadquarters
2015Year Founded
$772.8MTotal Funding
DEBTCompany Stage
AI & Machine Learning, DefenseIndustries
501-1,000Employees

Benefits

Medical Insurance Coverage
Long Term Disability Insurance
Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA
Employee Assistance Program
Subsidized Gym Membership
Pet Insurance
Competitive Compensation
Retirement Services
Life Insurance
Parental Leave
Bereavement Support
Flexible Work Hours
PTO
Paid Holidays
Commuter Benefits
Relaxed Dress Code
Yearly Swag Items
Unlimited Snacks
Bottomless Beverages
Annual Celebrations
Work From Home Benefits
Standing Desks and Widescreen Monitors

Risks

Increased competition from companies like Waymo could divert investment from Shield AI.
Geopolitical tensions may challenge the JSW Defence partnership for V-BAT production in India.
Dependency on Palantir's infrastructure may limit Shield AI's operational flexibility.

Differentiation

Shield AI's Hivemind is the first autonomous AI pilot deployed in combat since 2018.
Strategic partnerships with Palantir and JSW Defence enhance technological capabilities and market reach.
Shield AI's V-BAT drone is selected for a $198 million U.S. Coast Guard contract.

Upsides

Increased demand for autonomous systems in defense boosts Shield AI's market potential.
Successful multi-aircraft autonomous flight tests showcase advanced AI piloting capabilities.
Significant investment in robotics indicates a robust market for Shield AI's offerings.

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