# Manager, Software - Perception (R3770)
**Company:** [Shield AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/shield-ai)
**Location:** Washington, DC
**Salary:** $220K-$331K
**Experience:** 7+ years
**Skills:** Kalman Filters, Multi-Target Tracking, Deep Learning, PyTorch, TensorFlow, Slam, Visual-Inertial Odometry, Sensor Fusion, Radar, Eo/Ir, Imus, Gps
**Posted:** 2026-03-26
> Leads teams developing real-time perception systems for autonomous aircraft, including object detection, sensor fusion, and state estimation using EO/IR, radar, and IMU data. Requires 7+ years experience in unmanned systems, algorithm expertise, and 2+ years people leadership.
## Job Description
## Responsibilities
- Lead multidisciplinary teams across autonomy, integration, and testing, aligning technical efforts and driving mission-focused execution.
- Develop advanced perception algorithms for object detection, classification, and multi-target tracking across sensor modalities.
- Implement sensor fusion frameworks integrating vision systems, radars, and other sensors using probabilistic and deterministic techniques.
- Develop state estimation capabilities for localization and pose estimation using IMU, GPS, vision, and other inputs.
- Analyze sensor ICDs and technical specifications for correct data handling and synchronization.
- Optimize perception pipelines for performance, robustness, and real-time efficiency in simulation and real-world environments.
- Support autonomy integration with planning, behaviors, and decision-making modules.
- Validate algorithms using synthetic data, simulation, and field testing.
- Collaborate with hardware and sensor teams for seamless integration.
- Drive innovation in airborne sensing for complex, GPS-denied environments.
- Travel 10-15% for offices, customer sites, and flight events.

## Required Qualifications
- BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent.
- 7+ years experience with BS; 5+ with MS; 4+ with PhD; or equivalent.
- 5+ years in Unmanned Systems for DoD or applied R&D.
- 2+ years people leadership.
- Background in Kalman Filters, multi-target tracking, or deep learning-based detection.
- Familiarity with sensor fusion from radar, EO/IR cameras using probabilistic/rule-based approaches.
- Familiarity with SLAM, visual-inertial odometry, or sensor-fused localization.
- Ability to work with ICDs and hardware integration specs.
- Proficiency with version control, debugging, test-driven development.

## Preferred Qualifications
- Hands-on integration or algorithm development with airborne sensing systems.
- Experience with **PyTorch** or **TensorFlow** for vision-based detection/classification.
- Deploying perception software on SWaP-constrained platforms.
- Validating perception systems in flight tests or operational environments.
- Understanding sensing challenges in denied/degraded conditions.
- Exposure to perception across air, maritime, and ground platforms.
**Apply:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/manager-software-perception-r3770-at-shield-ai-f38861e6-d8de-4f06-a92e-e93e548651f1
**Canonical:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/manager-software-perception-r3770-at-shield-ai-f38861e6-d8de-4f06-a92e-e93e548651f1