Perception Engineer

Virtus Maritime; Morehead City (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Virtus Maritime seeks a Perception Engineer to develop and optimize perception systems for unmanned and manned maritime platforms. You will design and integrate sensor fusion pipelines, build computer vision and machine learning models for detection, tracking, and classification, and validate algorithms through simulation and on-vessel testing.

Collaborate with hardware, autonomy, and systems teams to ensure reliable on-water performance, and document designs, models, and test results for

Qualifications

• Strong skills in perception, CV, and ML for real-time systems.
• Proficiency in Python and C++, with ROS/OpenCV/TensorFlow/PyTorch knowledge.
• Experience with sensors and embedded systems (cameras, radar, lidar, sonar).
• Background in algorithm development and performance optimization.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related field.
• Ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams.
• Hands-on lab and vessel environment experience preferred.
• Defense/maritime/autonomous systems experience beneficial but not required.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and optimize perception systems for maritime platforms.
• Design and integrate sensor fusion pipelines and ML models for detection, tracking, and classification.
• Validate algorithms through simulation and on-vessel testing.
• Collaborate with hardware, autonomy, and systems teams for reliable performance.
• Document designs, models, and test results for stakeholders.

Skills

Perception

Computer vision

Machine learning

Sensor fusion

Python

C++

Real-time systems

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Tools

OpenCV

ROS

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Job description

Company Description

Virtus Maritime advances maritime defense for modern warfare through innovative design and construction of next-generation defense platforms. The company works with a coalition of strategic industry partners to drive cutting-edge advancements in maritime security. With a strong focus on continuous feedback from the field, Virtus Maritime ensures its unmanned vessels remain technologically advanced and operationally effective. This commitment to innovation positions Virtus Maritime as a leader in the maritime defense industry and offers team members the opportunity to contribute to impactful, mission-driven work.

Role Description

The Perception Engineer will be responsible for developing, implementing, and optimizing perception systems that enable robust situational awareness for unmanned and manned maritime platforms. Day-to-day responsibilities include designing and integrating sensor fusion pipelines, building computer vision and machine learning models for detection, tracking, and classification, and validating algorithms through simulation and on-vessel testing. The role also involves collaborating closely with hardware, autonomy, and systems engineering teams to ensure reliable performance in real-world maritime environments, as well as documenting designs, models, and test results for internal and external stakeholders. This is a full-time, on-site role based in Morehead City, NC. Must be a US citizen.

Qualifications

• Strong skills in perception, computer vision, and machine learning for real-time systems, including experience with sensor fusion and object detection.


• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in perception and robotics (such as Python and C++), and familiarity with relevant frameworks (e.g., OpenCV, ROS, TensorFlow or PyTorch).


• Experience working with sensors and embedded systems, such as cameras, radar, lidar, or sonar, and integrating them into autonomous or semi-autonomous platforms.


• Background in algorithm development, data processing, and performance optimization for deployment in constrained or safety-critical environments.


• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.


• Ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams and communicate complex technical concepts clearly to diverse stakeholders.


• Comfort working hands-on in a lab and vessel environment, including testing, troubleshooting, and iterative development of perception systems.


• Experience in defense, maritime, or autonomous systems is beneficial but not required.