Full-Time

Staff Engineer

State Estimation

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Shield AI

Shield AI

501-1,000 employees

Develops AI and autonomous systems for defense

Compensation Overview

$182.7k - $274.1k/yr

+ Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Senior, Expert

Dallas, TX, USA

US Top Secret Clearance Required

Category
Robotics & Autonomous Systems
Computer Vision
AI & Machine Learning
Required Skills
C/C++
Linux/Unix
Data Analysis
Requirements
  • Typically requires 7+ years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 6 years with a Master’s degree; or 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
  • Strong experience developing and deploying real-time sensor processing algorithms with IMUs, radar, cameras, GPS, and other sensors.
  • Expertise in state estimation techniques, such as Kalman filters (EKF, UKF), particle filters, and sensor fusion methods.
  • Proficiency in C++ (C++11 or newer) and experience working in Linux environments.
  • Strong debugging, optimization, and software development skills for embedded or real-time systems.
  • Ability to work in cross-functional teams and lead technical efforts for sensor fusion solutions.
  • Proven ability to deliver high-quality solutions in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
Responsibilities
  • Develop and implement advanced sensor processing algorithms for IMUs, cameras, GPS, radar, and other sensors.
  • Improve state estimation robustness and accuracy through multi-sensor fusion techniques.
  • Design and optimize real-time sensor data processing pipelines for deployment in autonomous systems.
  • Lead integration efforts with software, autonomy, and hardware teams to ensure high-performance state estimation.
  • Conduct simulation, experimentation, and field testing to validate algorithm performance.
  • Stay at the forefront of sensor fusion and estimation techniques, applying new advancements to Shield AI’s UAV platforms.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience implementing inertial navigation and visual-inertial odometry algorithms on real-time systems.
  • Strong understanding of computer vision and its integration with state estimation.
  • Experience optimizing algorithms for compute-constrained environments.
  • Familiarity with CUDA, FPGAs, or other hardware acceleration for real-time processing.
  • Experience with transitioning technology from R&D to production deployment.

Shield AI specializes in creating artificial intelligence and autonomous systems for the defense industry. The company develops AI-powered systems, including autonomous drones, that assist military operations, especially in environments where GPS and communications are unavailable. Shield AI primarily serves government and defense clients, including various branches of the U.S. military, and generates revenue through contracts with these organizations. What sets Shield AI apart from its competitors is its focus on enhancing operational safety and efficiency through advanced technology, as well as its strategic acquisitions, like Martin UAV. The company's goal is to protect lives by providing innovative solutions that improve military capabilities.

Company Size

501-1,000

Company Stage

Late Stage VC

Total Funding

$1.3B

Headquarters

San Diego, California

Founded

2015

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Series F funding round raised $1 billion, boosting Shield AI's growth potential.
  • Partnerships with Korea Aerospace and Singapore Air Force expand Shield AI's market reach.
  • Upgraded V-BAT drone showcases ongoing innovation, attracting more defense contracts.

What critics are saying

  • Increased competition from firms like Elbit Systems and Leonardo in AI systems.
  • Potential regulatory delays could hinder deployment of new AI technologies.
  • Dependence on government contracts risks revenue if defense spending priorities shift.

What makes Shield AI unique

  • Hivemind is the first autonomous AI Pilot deployed in combat since 2018.
  • Shield AI's V-BAT drone excels in electronic warfare resilience, enhancing ISR capabilities.
  • Strategic acquisitions like Martin UAV and DDR software boost Shield AI's technological edge.

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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

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

0%

1 year growth

0%

2 year growth

0%
AlleyWatch
Apr 18th, 2025
Shield AI Raises $1B in Series F

Shield AI, a San Diego-based deep-tech company, raised a Series F funding round in March 2025, bringing its total equity funding to $1 billion. The company focuses on AI-powered systems for enhancing safety. Key investors in this round include Andreessen Horowitz, Cacti, Hanwha Aerospace, L3Harris Technologies, and US Innovative Technology Fund.

UAS Weekly
Apr 16th, 2025
Shield AI Boosts AI Pilot Training with Crowdbotics' DDR Software Acquisition

Shield AI, the deep-tech company building state-of-the-art autonomy software products and defense aircraft, today announced the acquisition of the Data Driven Readiness (DDR) intellectual property assets from Crowdbotics, Inc.

Cyber Daily
Apr 9th, 2025
Shield AI encourages Australia to 'get on board and shape development' of Hivemind systems

Shield AI discussed its Hivemind system, designed to operate alongside human decision-makers, reduce load on personnel operators, and leverage real-time data and geospatial insights, on the sidelines of the recent Australian International Airshow 2025 in Melbourne.

Shephard Media
Apr 9th, 2025
Shield AI unveils V-Bat block upgrade

Shield AI has officially unveiled its new upgrade variant of the V-Bat, at the Sea Air and Space exhibition on 7 April.

The Defense Post
Apr 8th, 2025
Shield AI Launches Upgraded V-BAT Drone for US, Allied Users

Shield AI has introduced a modernized version of its V-BAT unmanned aerial system to provide enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operability for US and allied customers.