Perception Engineer, AI

YOUR MISSION

You will architect and deploy the perception systems that enable autonomous spacecraft operations in contested environments. Your algorithms will track satellites during close-proximity rendezvous, reconstruct 3D geometry for inspection missions, and detect threats in real-time from on-orbit sensors. The neural networks you optimize will run on space-qualified processors with strict power budgets. The tracking filters you design will maintain custody through occlusions, tumbles, and adversarial maneuvers. Your work bridges cutting-edge perception research and flight-ready systems that operate autonomously for months without ground intervention. You will own the perception stack end-to-end: from algorithm design through hardware-in-the-loop validation to on-orbit operation. This is perception engineering where mistakes have consequences, where your code operates in vacuum, and where the systems you build secure the space domain for the United States and its Allies.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Drive the architecture for the image processing, object tracking, and pose estimation pipelines for the next generation of Jackal spacecraft
• Design and implement robust perception, object detection, and tracking algorithms in C++
• Perform statistical analysis to support algorithm characterization and verification
• Test and verify your algorithms via software and hardware in the loop simulation
• Work with the software team to integrate your algorithms into flight software

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, robotics, or a similar discipline
• Experienced with C/C++ and Python
• 2+ years of experience with implementing perception and tracking algorithms deployed in real world systems
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and solve complex problems with first principles approaches
• Passion for spaceflight and advancing capabilities related to space domain awareness and space security
• U.S. Citizen and eligible for DoD Secret or TS/SCI clearance

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s or PhD in computer science, robotics, or a similar discipline
• 2+ years of professional experience writing high-reliability, production C/C++ code
• Deep technical expertise in one or more of the following: SLAM, nonlinear filtering, image processing, object detection, computer vision, pose estimation

COMPENSATION

• Base Salary: $125,000 - $270,000
• Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave

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, location, and experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work Location— This is an onsite role, we are seeking only candidates based near Denver, CO or Long Beach, CA.
• Work environment—the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
• Physical demands—the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below.
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