Engineer 2 New Grad - Software, Perception

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. 

The HMS Perception team develops sensor-processing, vision, tracking, sensor-fusion, and AI/ML capabilities that provide reliable information to autonomous systems. We evaluate work with real and simulated sensor data and integrate outputs into mission software.

As an Engineer II, you will deliver bounded perception features and evaluation improvements using established technical direction. You will diagnose moderately defined algorithm, data, and software issues, bring changes through tests and documentation, and coordinate on your assigned interfaces. Senior engineers will guide subsystem architecture and cross-program technical decisions.

What you'll do
* Implement and test C++ changes in detection, tracking, fusion, localization support, data pipelines, or AI/ML-enabled perception workflows.
* Work with real and simulated EO/IR, camera, radar, IMU, GPS, or other sensor data to evaluate performance and failure modes.
* Build tests, metrics, analysis scripts, and visualizations to make algorithm behavior measurable and repeatable.
* Support integration of perception outputs with autonomy behaviors, mission systems, and operator interfaces under defined contracts.
* Debug data quality, timing, coordinate frames, software interfaces, and model or algorithm behavior with guidance as needed.
* Participate in simulation, lab, and field-test preparation and post-test analysis for assigned work.
* Document design assumptions, evaluation results, and issues; collaborate with perception, autonomy, platform, and test teammates.

We are seeking Autonomous Software Engineers for full-time roles starting in 2027! This is a paid, in-person, full-time position for students graduating during the 2026-2027 academic year. We are now reviewing applications for positions starting after graduation in 2027. 

Required Qualifications

* Currently pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field, graduating between December 2026 and August 2027.
* Typically 2+ years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree, or equivalent work experience; relevant graduate work or substantial project experience may be considered.
* Working proficiency in C++ or Python for perception, robotics, AI/ML, or data-processing software.
* Experience with Linux, Git, software testing, and data analysis.
* Applied experience through work, research, or substantial projects in computer vision, tracking, sensor fusion, estimation, robotics, or machine learning.
* Ability to complete a bounded feature or evaluation task, interpret results, and communicate limitations or risks.
* Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• 
  * Experience with EO/IR, radar, cameras, or other mission sensors and their calibration or coordinate frames.
  * Familiarity with OpenCV, PyTorch, TensorFlow, ROS, DDS, or similar tools.
  * Experience with simulation, SIL/HIL, embedded deployment, automated evaluation, or field data analysis.

Full-time regular employee offer package:

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. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.