Sr. Staff Engineer, Perception Software (R3740) at Shield AI

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Defense, Aerospace, RoboticsIndustries

Requirements

Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 9 years with a Master’s degree; or 7 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience
5+ years of active software development experience using modern versions of C++ (11 or above)
Proven expertise in object-oriented software design principles and their practical implementation
Experience with robotics perception and localization algorithms and frameworks, including object detection and tracking, simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), optimal state estimation (KF, EKF, UKF, factor graphs), and sensor fusion
Strong Git and Linux development skills along with modern software development practices (e.g., CI/CD, test-driven development)
A track record of technical leadership, with the ability to set and maintain high standards, guide teams through complex technical challenges, and collaborate effectively across multiple teams
Demonstrated track record of delivering high-quality software to meet product design requirements under accelerated delivery schedules

Responsibilities

Enhance the perception capabilities offered in the Hivemind Software Development Kit (SDK) product
Serve as the technical conscience of one or more core disciplines within the field of robot perception or localization
Develop state of the art algorithms relevant to GPS-denied navigation, SLAM, object detection & tracking, and sensor fusion across several operational domains (air, land, maritime, space)
Write production-quality software in C++ that will be deployed to high-reliability UAS’s, ensuring robustness, efficiency, and scalability
Develop and maintain comprehensive unit, integration, and system tests to validate your software
Lead the planning and execution of design reviews to introduce new perception capabilities into the Hivemind SDK product
Create and enhance sensor models within a state-of-the-art simulation environment
Elevate the performance of high-caliber, agile scrum teams by driving clarity and technical rigor into their feature delivery processes
Mentor and guide peers and less experienced engineers, fostering technical excellence and high standards across the team
Work in a fast-paced, collaborative, continuous development environment, enhancing analysis and performance benchmarking capabilities

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

C++SLAMComputer VisionObject DetectionSensor FusionState EstimationGPS-denied NavigationData FusionStatistical InferenceDynamics Modeling

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What experience level is required for this Sr. Staff Engineer role?

Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 9 years with a Master’s degree; or 7 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.

What programming skills are required for this position?

The role requires 5+ years of active software development experience using modern versions of C++ (11 or above), along with proven expertise in object-oriented software design principles.

What key technical expertise is needed for the perception software role?

Candidates need a deep understanding of optimal state estimation, computer vision, sensor integration, data fusion, statistical inference, and dynamics modeling, plus experience with robotics.

What is the work environment like at Shield AI?

The role involves working in a fast-paced, collaborative, continuous development environment with high-caliber, agile scrum teams.

What makes a strong candidate for this position?

Strong candidates will have 10+ years of experience (or equivalent with advanced degrees), deep expertise in perception technologies like SLAM and sensor fusion, proven C++ development skills, and the ability to mentor teams and lead design reviews.

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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