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Manager, Software - Perception (R3770)

Shield AI· Hivemind Solutions Division – Flight System Integration
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Hybrid (Washington, D.C.), Hybrid (San Diego, California), Hybrid (Dallas, Texas), Hybrid (Boston, Massachusetts)$220.4k - $330.7kFull Time EmployeePosted 7mo ago

About the role

Manager role leading multidisciplinary teams to develop and integrate real-time perception algorithms for autonomous aircraft, focusing on object detection, sensor fusion, and state estimation across diverse mission sensors, with hands-on technical oversight and leadership responsibilities.

Responsibilities

  • Multidisciplinary Team Leadership – Lead teams across autonomy, integration, and testing by aligning technical efforts, resolving cross-functional challenges, and driving mission-focused execution. Balance hands-on technical oversight with performance optimization, innovation, and clear stakeholder communication.
  • Develop advanced perception algorithms — Design and implement robust algorithms for object detection, classification, and multi-target tracking across diverse sensor modalities.
  • Implement sensor fusion frameworks — Integrate data from vision systems, radars, and other mission sensors using probabilistic and deterministic fusion techniques to generate accurate situational awareness.
  • Develop state estimation capabilities — Design and refine algorithms for localization and pose estimation using IMU, GPS, vision, and other onboard sensing inputs to enable stable and accurate navigation.
  • Analyze and utilize sensor ICDs — Interpret interface control documents (ICDs) and technical specifications for aircraft-mounted sensors to ensure correct data handling, interpretation, and synchronization.
  • Optimize perception performance — Tune and evaluate perception pipelines for performance, robustness, and real-time efficiency in both simulation and real-world environments.
  • Support autonomy integration — Work closely with autonomy, systems, and integration teams to interface perception outputs with planning, behaviors, and decision-making modules.
  • Validate in simulated and operational settings — Leverage synthetic data, simulation environments, and field testing to validate algorithm accuracy and mission readiness.
  • Collaborate with hardware and sensor teams — Ensure seamless integration of perception algorithms with onboard compute platforms and diverse sensor payloads.
  • Drive innovation in airborne sensing — Contribute novel ideas and state-of-the-art techniques to advance real-time perception capabilities for unmanned aircraft operating in complex, GPS-denied, or contested environments.
  • Travel Requirement — Members of this team typically travel around 10-15% of the year (to different office locations, customer sites, and flight integration events).

Qualifications

  • BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience
  • Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 5 years and a Master’s degree; or 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
  • 5+ years of experience in Unmanned Systems programs in the DoD or applied R&D
  • 2+ years of people leadership experience
  • Background in implementing algorithms such as Kalman Filters, multi-target tracking, or deep learning-based detection models.
  • Familiarity with fusing data from radar, EO/IR cameras, or other sensors using probabilistic or rule-based approaches.
  • Familiarity with SLAM, visual-inertial odometry, or sensor-fused localization approaches 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.
  • Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Skills

Required:Multidisciplinary Team LeadershipObject detectionSensor fusionState estimation / SLAM / visual-inertial odometryICD interpretationSoftware development practicesCommunication

Benefits

  • Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
  • Temporary employee offer package: Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
  • Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location.
  • All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check.
  • Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits.
Last updated Oct 23, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

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