Engineer I, Software - Perception - New Grad - 6135

Shield; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 77,000 - 211,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is hiring an entry-level Autonomous Software Engineer to contribute to perception software for autonomous systems. You will work on well-defined tasks and collaborate with experienced engineers in a full-time, in-person role.

Your education and coursework should include C++ or Python, with exposure to computer vision or sensor fusion. You will join a team building perception tools and validating sensor data in a hands-on environment.

Qualifications

• Pursuing or recently completed degree in a relevant field (CS/Robotics/EE).
• Foundational C++ or Python through coursework, projects, or research.
• Exposure to computer vision, robotics, or sensor fusion concepts.

Responsibilities

• Implement small, well-defined C++ changes to perception software and data processing.
• Analyze sensor data using established workflows and validate results.
• Run tests and investigations with guidance, documenting assumptions and results.

Skills

C++

Python

Linux

Git

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or higher 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.

$77,200 - $211,200 a year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.