Engineer 1 New Grad - Software - Perception

Shield AI; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Bonus

Benefits

Job summary

Shield AI’s HMS Perception team seeks an entry-level engineer to develop and validate perception features, tools, or tests with guidance from senior engineers. The role focuses on well-defined C++ changes, sensor data analysis, and reproducible results within a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

You’ll work with perception, autonomy, and simulation engineers, gaining experience across data, algorithms, and evaluation workflows while contributing to real-world autonomous systems used in

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in CS, Robotics, EE or related field, graduating between Dec 2026 and Aug 2027.
• Foundational C++ or Python demonstrated through coursework, projects, or internship.
• 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 workflows.
• Ability to communicate findings and work with feedback.
• Must be able to work in-person full-time.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Responsibilities

• Implement small, well-defined C++ changes to perception software, data processing, evaluation tools, or tests.
• 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.

Skills

C++

Python

Linux

Git

Communication

In-person work

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD in CS/Robotics/EE

Tools

OpenCV

PyTorch

ROS

Job description

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.

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.

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.