Engineer I, Software - Perception - New Grad - 6135 at Shield AI

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 builds software that helps autonomous systems understand the world using sensor data, computer vision, tracking, sensor fusion, and AI/ML. Our work moves from data and algorithms through simulation, lab testing, and fielded systems.

As an entry-level engineer, you will develop and validate well-defined perception features, tools, or tests alongside experienced engineers. This full-time role builds on coursework or internship experience; you will complete assigned changes and document results with regular guidance rather than own a perception subsystem end to end.

What you'll do

• Implement small, well-defined C++ changes to perception software, data processing, evaluation tools, or tests.
• Help analyze camera, EO/IR, radar, IMU, GPS, or simulated sensor data using established workflows.
• Run tests and repeatable experiments; investigate data-quality and software failures with guidance.
• Support object detection, tracking, sensor fusion, localization, or multimodal AI/ML evaluation as assigned.
• Document assumptions, metrics, results, and reproducible setup steps; participate in code and design reviews.
• Collaborate with perception, autonomy, platform, simulation, and test engineers.

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.
• Foundational C++ or Python programming demonstrated through coursework, projects, research, internships, or work experience.
• Coursework or project exposure to computer vision, machine learning, robotics, estimation, sensor fusion, or related work.
• Familiarity with Linux, Git, debugging, and basic software-development or data-analysis workflows.
• Ability to communicate findings, ask questions, and improve work through feedback.
• Must be able to work in-person full-time.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with OpenCV, PyTorch, ROS, or similar perception or robotics tools.
• Projects involving image/video processing, tracking, multimodal data, coordinate transformations, or sensor calibration.
• Experience with automated tests, simulation, visualization, or evaluation workflows.