Staff Perception Engineer, Target Tracking (SD or DC)

Shield AI, a pioneering defense technology company founded in 2015, is seeking a Staff Perception Engineer to join their Hivemind autonomy team. This role represents a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge autonomous systems that directly contribute to protecting service members and civilians worldwide.

The position involves developing sophisticated multi-target tracking systems for the Hivemind Pilot product line, requiring expertise in both theoretical concepts and practical implementation. The ideal candidate will bring deep knowledge of object tracking theory, including optimal state estimation, sensor integration, and statistical inference, combined with advanced C++ programming skills.

Working from either San Diego or Washington DC, you'll be part of a company with a global presence, including offices in Dallas, Abu Dhabi, Kyiv, and Melbourne. Shield AI's technology is actively supporting U.S. and allied operations worldwide through products like Hivemind Enterprise—EdgeOS, Pilot, Commander, and Forge.

The role offers a competitive compensation package ranging from $181,540 to $272,310, plus bonus, benefits, and equity. This is an ideal opportunity for experienced engineers who want to work on meaningful defense technology projects with real-world impact. The position requires significant expertise in C++ development and tracking algorithms, with a focus on military applications.

You'll be working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, developing production-quality software that will be deployed on military platforms. The role combines theoretical knowledge with practical implementation, requiring both research capabilities and strong software engineering skills. This position offers the chance to work on challenging technical problems while contributing to national security and defense capabilities.

The company culture emphasizes innovation, technical excellence, and mission-focused development. Shield AI's commitment to protecting service members and civilians through autonomous systems makes this role particularly meaningful for engineers who want to make a difference in defense technology.