Senior Perception Engineering Lead (Autonomy)

Schmidt Marine Technology Partners; Alameda (CA); Hybrid; USD 260,000 - 305,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity grants

401(k) retirement plan

Professional development reimbursement

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Saildrone, based in Alameda, seeks a Senior Engineering Manager, Perception to lead our Robotics Software Org. You will architect and productionize next‑gen perception software for our drone fleet, balancing strategic people management with hands‑on technical ownership.

Lead a high‑caliber team to ensure reliable, edge‑optimized perception on unmanned platforms during long deployments, collaborating across Autonomy, ML, and Hardware to align product roadmaps.

Qualifications

• 8 years of progressive software experience in robotics, drones, or autonomous systems.
• At least 2 years of direct engineering management or technical leadership.
• Hands-on expertise in modern C (14/17/20) and production-grade software for Linux embedded environments.
• Deep understanding of perception, multi-object tracking, 3D computer vision, and edge deployment of deep learning.

Responsibilities

• Lead and scale an elite engineering team, providing mentorship and career development.
• Responsible for delivery, reliability, and edge performance of real-time perception software on unmanned platforms.
• Collaborate with Autonomy, ML, Systems, and Hardware teams to align on roadmaps and integration.

Skills

8+ years software in robotics

2+ years engineering management

C (14/17/20)

perception fundamentals

multi‑object tracking

3D computer vision

multi‑sensor calibration

edge DL deployment

leadership

Education

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

Tools

Linux embedded software

Job description

Saildrone, based in Alameda, seeks a Senior Engineering Manager, Perception to lead our Robotics Software Org. You will architect and productionize next‑gen perception software for our drone fleet, balancing strategic people management with hands‑on technical ownership.

Lead a high‑caliber team to ensure reliable, edge‑optimized perception on unmanned platforms during long deployments, collaborating across Autonomy, ML, and Hardware to align product roadmaps.