Principal Engineer, State Estimation (R3260) at Shield AI

Dallas, Texas, United States

Shield AI Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Defense, AerospaceIndustries

Requirements

  • Typically requires a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience with a bachelor’s degree; or 14 years with a master’s degree; or a PhD with 12 years of experience; or equivalent practical experience
  • Deep experience developing real-time navigation and/or sensor fusion algorithms with IMUs, GPS, and other sensors
  • Strong understanding of state estimation techniques (e.g., Kalman filters, extended and unscented variants, particle filters, etc.)
  • Proficiency with C++11 or newer; experience with real-time operating environments
  • Comfort with Linux, scripting, and standard development tools
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills; ability to work across engineering disciplines and with external partners
  • Proven track record of successfully shipping products, showcasing the ability to navigate through development cycles, overcome obstacles, and deliver high-quality solutions to meet project deadlines and exceed expectations in a fast-paced environment
  • Demonstrated record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to high standards, and being kind to others
  • Preferred qualifications
  • Experience developing and implementing inertial navigation solutions for GPS-denied or degraded environments
  • Knowledge of computer vision techniques
  • Proficiency in optimizing algorithms for compute-constrained systems
  • Experience with CUDA or other hardware acceleration technologies (e.g. FPGAs)
  • Proven track record of transitioning from R&D to production

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement advanced state estimation algorithms, including inertial navigation, sensor fusion, and alternative navigation techniques for denied environments
  • Design and optimize state estimation frameworks to integrate data from IMUs, GNSS receivers, visual odometry, magnetometers, barometers, and radar systems
  • Build real-time sensor processing pipelines for UAV platforms, focusing on robustness, accuracy, and failover performance
  • Collaborate with autonomy, software, and hardware teams to ensure seamless integration of state estimation components within larger autonomous systems
  • Lead simulation, lab testing, and field validation of state estimation algorithms to assess performance under varying operational conditions
  • Stay on the forefront of navigation and state estimation innovation—adapting emerging technologies and research into deployable, mission-ready solutions

Skills

State Estimation
Sensor Fusion
Inertial Navigation
Visual Odometry
IMU
GNSS
Magnetometer
Barometer
Radar
Real-time Processing
UAV Navigation
GNC

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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