Principal Engineer, State Estimation (R4602)

Job Summary

Shield AI is seeking a Principal Engineer, State Estimation (R4602) to lead advanced perception and navigation algorithms for autonomous aircraft in San Diego, San Diego County, US. This senior technical role offers a fixed annual salary of $175,719.95.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect, design, and implement state‑estimation pipelines for V‑BAT and X‑BAT autonomous platforms.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists in developing sensor fusion, SLAM, and real‑time filtering solutions.
• Collaborate with product, hardware, and software groups to integrate estimation algorithms into flight‑critical systems.
• Define technical roadmap, set performance benchmarks, and ensure compliance with aerospace safety standards.
• Mentor junior engineers, conduct code reviews, and foster a culture of rigorous testing and continuous improvement.
• Publish research findings and represent Shield AI at conferences and industry forums.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s in Robotics, Computer Vision, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in state estimation, sensor fusion, or SLAM for autonomous vehicles.
• Proficiency in C++, Python, and ROS/ROS2 environments.
• Hands‑on experience with IMU, LiDAR, radar, and computer‑vision sensors.
• Strong background in Kalman filtering, particle filters, factor graphs, and probabilistic robotics.
• Proven leadership in technical teams and successful delivery of flight‑ready software.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with aerospace‑grade hardware and real‑time operating systems.
• Knowledge of machine learning integration for perception pipelines.
• Publications in top robotics or AI conferences.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $175,719.95 per year. Shield AI offers comprehensive health benefits, 401(k) match, generous paid time off, and opportunities to work on cutting‑edge defense technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Principal Engineer, State Estimation do at Shield AI?

You will design and lead the development of sensor‑fusion and navigation algorithms that enable autonomous aircraft to perceive and navigate safely.

What qualifications are required for this role?

A Ph.D. or Master’s in a related field, 10+ years of state‑estimation experience, strong C++/Python skills, and proven leadership of technical teams.

Is relocation assistance provided for candidates moving to San Diego?

Shield AI offers relocation support for qualified candidates to help them transition to the San Diego area.