Perception Software Engineer – Staff

Job overview

The Perception Software Engineer – Staff role is hybrid in San Diego, CA, with three days per week in the office as the baseline. The posting lists a Staff Engineer salary range of $200,000–$300,000 per year. Shield AI develops intelligent systems intended to protect service members and civilians; this role supports its Hivemind Detection, Tracking, and Mapping team. The engineer develops production perception capabilities for autonomous systems, taking work from algorithms and libraries through integration, verification, and delivery in the Hivemind SDK. The role turns prototypes, research, and partner-developed technology into reusable, tested product capabilities.

What you'll do

• Design and implement production perception capabilities in modern C++
• own features from requirements and technical evaluation through algorithm and library development, runtime integration, SDK validation, documentation, and release readiness
• contribute in object detection, tracking, computer vision, image processing, sensor modeling, mapping, or sensor fusion
• diagnose system behavior using code, logs, sensor data, simulation, and experiments
• participate in design and code reviews
• mentor engineers
• evaluate emerging foundation-model capabilities for practical product use.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

staff engineer

perception software

san diego ca

shield ai

hybrid

three days in office

full-time

$200k–$300k/year

modern c++

computer vision

object tracking

sensor fusion

autonomous systems

hivemind sdk

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Bonus, benefits, and equity for full-time regular employees
• temporary employees may receive a temporary benefits package after 60 days.

Why this role

The role spans perception algorithms, production C++ libraries, integration, verification, and delivery across air, maritime, and ground domains.

About the employer

Shield AI is hiring for this role. Industry: Custom Computer Programming Services. Sector: 54.