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NEXTMOVEFDE careers · United States
Shield AI

Manager, Software - Perception (R3770)

AI summary of the role

Lead multidisciplinary teams developing real-time perception systems (object detection, sensor fusion, state estimation) for autonomous aircraft in contested, GPS-denied environments.

What you’ll do

  • Lead multidisciplinary teams across autonomy, integration, and testing, aligning technical efforts and driving mission-focused execution.
  • Design and implement robust algorithms for object detection, classification, and multi-target tracking across diverse sensor modalities.
  • Integrate data from vision systems, radars, and other mission sensors using probabilistic and deterministic fusion techniques.
  • Develop state estimation capabilities for localization and pose estimation using IMU, GPS, vision, and other onboard sensing inputs.

What you’ll bring

  • BS/MS in CS, EE, ME, Aerospace Engineering or equivalent; typically 7+ years with BS, 5+ with MS, 4+ with PhD.
  • 5+ years in Unmanned Systems programs in DoD or applied R&D.
  • 2+ years of people leadership experience.
  • Background in Kalman Filters, multi-target tracking, or deep learning-based detection models.

Technologies

Kalman Filters · multi-target tracking · deep learning · sensor fusion · SLAM · visual-inertial odometry · EO/IR cameras · radar · IMU · PyTorch · TensorFlow

About Shield AI

Builds AI pilot software, aircraft, and vision systems that let militaries and OEMs develop, deploy, and operate mission autonomy in contested environments.

Unicorn

Source and classification

Internal deployment & tooling · Evidence for this classification:

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. This position is ideal for an individual who thrives on building advanced perception systems that enable autonomous aircraft to operate effectively in complex and contested environments. A successful candidate will be skilled in developing real-time object detection, sensor fusion, and state estimation algorithms using data from diverse mission sensors such as EO/IR
More from the job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. This position is ideal for an individual who thrives on building advanced perception systems that enable autonomous aircraft to operate effectively in complex and contested environments. A successful candidate will be skilled in developing real-time object detection, sensor fusion, and state estimation algorithms using data from diverse mission sensors such as EO/IR cameras, radars, and IMUs. The role requires strong algorithmic thinking, deep familiarity with airborne sensing systems, and the ability to deliver performant software in simulation and real-world conditions. We are seeking a skilled and motivated manager to lead technical teams and support direct projects integrating perception solutions for defense platforms. Shield AI is committed to developing cutting-edge autonomy for unmanned aircraft operating across all Department of Defense (DoD) domains, i [... source excerpt omitted ...] creating the situational awareness that underpins autonomy, ensuring our systems understand and respond to the operational environment with speed, precision, and resilience. What you'll do: 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. [... source excerpt omitted ...] 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). Required 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 l

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