a16z Senior Engineer, Sensor Integration (R5128)
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 . Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Job Description:
We are seeking a Sensor Integration Engineer to support selection, characterization, calibration, and integration of multi-modal navigation and localization sensors for the X-BAT State Estimation team. This role operates at the intersection of software, electrical, and mechanical engineering, requiring the ability to work across disciplines and directly contribute to cross-functional engineering efforts.
What you'll do:
Sensor Selection, Integration & Characterization
- Support sensor integration activities from specification through production
- Develop and execute sensor characterization and calibration procedures for IMUs, GNSS receivers, cameras, and other navigation sensors
- Contribute to sensor trade studies and selection processes
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and software engineering teams on:
- Electrical interfaces, power distribution, and signal conditioning
- Mounting solutions, alignment, and thermal/vibration considerations
- Software interfaces, drivers, data acquisition, and calibration implementation
- Participate in design reviews across EE/ME/SW disciplines, providing interdisciplinary perspective and coordination
Technical Contributions
- Develop and execute test plans for sensor performance characterization and validation
- Document sensor characteristics, trade studies, and integration requirements
- Develop or modify calibration scripts and data processing tools
- Support development of calibration procedures and tooling
- Debug issues spanning hardware-firmware-software boundaries
- Review and contribute to schematics, CAD models, and code as necessary
Required qualifications:
Education & Experience
- BS in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related field
- 1-4 years of relevant experience (new grads with strong cross-functional internship/project experience will be considered)
- Demonstrated ability to work across at least two of: electrical, mechanical, software domains
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
Technical Skills
- Understanding of sensor measurement principles and error sources
- Ability to read and understand electrical schematics and/or mechanical drawings
- Basic proficiency in scripting or programming for data analysis (Python, MATLAB, or similar)
- Familiarity with sensor communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, etc.)
- Hands-on experience with lab equipment and sensor testing
Cross-Functional Aptitude
- Comfortable learning and working outside primary discipline
- Ability to communicate effectively with engineers from different backgrounds
- Willingness to engage with hardware, firmware, and software aspects of sensor systems
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills across multiple domains
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with navigation or localization sensors (IMUs, GNSS, cameras, altimeters, etc.)
- Exposure to sensor calibration or characterization activities
- Familiarity with embedded systems or real-time software
- Understanding of coordinate transformations or sensor fusion concepts
- Experience with automated testing or data acquisition systems
- Knowledge of aerospace environmental testing or standards
Work environment:
- Collaborative team environment working with EE, ME, and SW engineers
- Hands-on lab work combined with analysis and documentation
- Occasional travel for team and supplier coordination or testing support
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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.
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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.