Principal Engineer, State Estimation (R3260)
Dallas Metro Area
Aircraft Division – Software /
Full Time Employee /
On-site
About Shield AI
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its flagship autonomy software, Hivemind, powers aircraft, drones, and other platforms, enabling complex missions with high reliability in contested environments. With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., and internationally, Shield AI’s products actively support U.S. and allied operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn,Twitter, and Instagram.
Job Description:
As a Principal State Estimation Engineer, you will be a key contributor to the GNC team, driving the development, optimization, and deployment of advanced sensor fusion algorithms that enable V-BAT to navigate and operate autonomously in dynamic, complex, and contested environments. You will develop real-time sensor processing pipelines, integrate multi-sensor data for robust state estimation, and work closely with autonomy researchers, software engineers, and hardware teams to ensure seamless system integration. Y
Your expertise will be critical in advancing Shield AI’s capabilities, from R&D to production, ensuring our UAVs achieve unmatched situational awareness and precision in mission-critical operations.
What you'll do:
- Develop and implement advanced sensor algorithms for processing data from IMUs, radar, cameras, GPS, and other sensors.
- Enhance state estimation algorithms by integrating multi-sensor data for improved accuracy and robustness.
- Design and implement real-time sensor data processing pipelines.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including software engineers, autonomy researchers, and hardware engineers, to ensure seamless integration of state estimation algorithms.
- Conduct experiments and field tests to validate the performance of state estimation algorithms in real-world scenarios.
- Stay updated with the latest advancements in sensor technologies and state estimation, applying them to our systems.
Required qualifications:
- Typically requires a minimum of 15 years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree; or 14 years and a master’s degree; or a PhD with 12 years' experience; or equivalent experience.
- Experience developing and deploying real-time sensor processing algorithms, e.g. with cameras, radar, IMUs, GPS, etc.
- Solid understanding of state estimation techniques, such as Kalman filters, particle filters, etc.
- Experience with C++ 11 or newer
- Experience with Linux, command line tools, etc.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders.
- Proven track record of successfully shipping products, showcasing the ability to navigate through development cycles, overcome obstacles, and deliver high-quality solutions to meet project deadlines and exceed expectations in a fast-paced environment.
- You have a demonstrated record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to high standards, and being kind to others.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience in implementing inertial navigation algorithms on real-time processing systems
- Knowledge of computer vision techniques
- Proficiency in optimizing algorithms for compute-constrained systems
- Experience with CUDA or other hardware acceleration technologies (e.g. FPGAs)
- Proven track record of transitioning from R&D to production
$264,000 - $396,000 a year
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Total package details for U.S. based positions:
- Regular employee positions: Salary within range listed above + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
- Temporary employee positions: Hourly within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days
of employment)
- Interns/Military Fellows/Part-time not eligible for bonus, benefits or equity
Total package details for International positions which are roles based outside of the United States (where applicable):
- International premium, hardship differential, cost of living differential, living quarters allowance, foreign service transfer
allowance, equity, international benefits, visa assistance, and relocation assistance.
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.
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.
