AI / ML Perception Engineer - Defense Tech

Job Description

AI/ML Perception Engineer – Build Autonomous Intelligence for Next-Gen Defense Robotics!

Austin, TX Onsite

Opportunity Summary

A rapidly scaling, venture-backed startup is forging the next generation of autonomous defense robotics designed to react in milliseconds to dynamic, high-threat scenarios. As a Principal AI/ML Perception Engineer, you will take the helm of the perception and autonomy stack, shaping the intelligence that powers a fully autonomous robotic system built for real-world deployment. In this early engineering role, you’ll architect and implement the full perception pipeline, from sensor fusion and model development to field validation and optimization on embedded platforms. This is a rare zero-to-one opportunity where your work becomes the foundation of the product’s decision-making capabilities. You'll see your models running in rugged outdoor environments, influence the platform’s long-term technical direction, and help define what modern autonomous defense systems are capable of.

About Us

We’re an emerging technology company focused on building compact robotic systems that can perceive, think, and act autonomously under extreme conditions. Our team blends deep experience in autonomy, machine learning, sensing, and hardware development. We thrive at the intersection of software and real-world constraints, solving complex perception challenges across diverse and noisy environments. Our mission moves fast, demands creativity, and requires engineering excellence at every layer of the stack.

Job Duties

Build and refine perception pipelines leveraging multi-sensor inputs including camera, IMU, and audio sources

Deploy computer vision and ML models tailored for low-latency, compute-limited embedded environments

Develop and implement audio-enhanced detection and localization methods using microphone arrays or acoustic sensors

Lead the data lifecycle, including collection, annotation, training, validation, and field testing

Architect robust real-time sensor fusion frameworks for state estimation and situational awareness

Integrate and bring up sensors (cameras, IMUs, microphones) while writing and optimizing low-level drivers

Prototype, evaluate, and iterate rapidly through live field trials in outdoor operational settings

Partner closely with controls, embedded, and hardware engineers to ensure system-wide coherence

Build tooling for visualization, logging, replay, and real-time debugging

Contribute to perception strategy and influence the ongoing roadmap for autonomy and intelligence

Qualifications

3+ years of professional experience developing ML/CV-based perception systems for robotics, autonomy, or embedded products

Demonstrated success deploying vision or ML models into constrained, real-time environments

Strong proficiency in Python and C++ for research and embedded development

Applied experience with object detection, classification, tracking, and related CV workflows

Hands-on background with sensor fusion techniques (EKF/UKF or similar) using camera + IMU data

Exposure to acoustic or audio-driven sensing methods

Familiarity with embedded inference platforms such as NVIDIA Jetson, Coral, or comparable systems

Ability to bring up hardware, debug drivers, and tune systems directly on embedded devices

Preferred Experience

Experience working on unmanned systems, robotics autonomy, counter-UAS, or advanced defense hardware

Understanding of model compression techniques (quantization, pruning, TensorRT optimization)

Knowledge of acoustic localization, filtering, and triangulation methods

Prior contributions within early-stage or fast-iteration engineering teams

Background with real-time, safety-critical, or mission-driven embedded systems

Why Join Us

Opportunity to serve as a key technical leader and founding contributor

Build real autonomous systems that move from concepts to field demonstrations quickly

High-trust engineering environment with fast decision cycles

Meaningful influence on technical direction, product strategy, and culture

Work on technology that directly contributes to protecting people and infrastructure

Competitive equity offering

Strong PTO and flexible working environment

Relocation support for candidates moving to Austin

Long-term growth and leadership opportunities as the company expands

Compensation Details

$120,000 - $210,000

#LI-AV

Full-time