Principal Engineer State Estimation (Dallas TX)

What you'll do:

• Develop and implement advanced state estimation algorithms including inertial navigation sensor fusion and alternative navigation techniques for denied environments. 
• Design and optimize state estimation frameworks to integrate data from IMUs GNSS receivers visual odometry magnetometers barometers and radar systems. 
• Build real-time sensor processing pipelines for UAV platforms focusing on robustness accuracy and failover performance. 
• Collaborate with autonomy software and hardware teams to ensure seamless integration of state estimation components within larger autonomous systems. 
• Lead simulation lab testing and field validation of state estimation algorithms to assess performance under varying operational conditions. 
• Stay on the forefront of navigation and state estimation innovation—adapting emerging technologies and research into deployable mission-ready solutions. 

Required qualifications:

• Typically requires a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience with a bachelor’s degree; or 10 years with a master’s degree; or a PhD with 8 years of experience; or equivalent practical experience. 
• Deep experience developing real-time navigation and/or sensor fusion algorithms with IMUs GPS and other sensors. 
• Strong understanding of state estimation techniques (e.g. Kalman filters extended and unscented variants particle filters etc.). 
• Proficiency with C++11 or newer; experience with real-time operating environments. 
• Comfort with Linux scripting and standard development tools. 
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills; ability to work across engineering disciplines and with external partners. 
• Proven track record of successfully shipping products showcasing the ability to navigate through development cycles overcome obstacles and deliver high-quality solutions to meet project deadlines and exceed expectations in a fast-paced environment.  
• You have a demonstrated record of working hard being a trustworthy teammate holding yourself and others to high standards and being kind to others. 

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience developing and implementing inertial navigation solutions for GPS-denied or degraded environments. 
• Knowledge of computer vision techniques  
• Proficiency in optimizing algorithms for compute-constrained systems  
• Experience with CUDA or other hardware acceleration technologies (e.g. FPGAs)  
• Proven track record of transitioning from R&D to production 

What We Do

Founded in 2015 Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft Hivemind Enterprise and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S. Europe the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide.

Why Work With Us

What makes Shield AI special is our people. We unlock the power of autonomy and in the face of overwhelming odds and challenges we find ways to win and make a difference for our customers. We bring together software AI and aerospace engineering disciplines to deploy the most intelligent aviation capabilities in the world.

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