Integrate and characterize multimodal navigation sensors, including IMUs, GNSS receivers, and cameras, from specification through production. Develop calibration procedures, test plans, data-processing tools, and sensor trade studies. Collaborate across electrical, mechanical, firmware, and software disciplines on interfaces, mounting, thermal and vibration considerations, and sensor fusion implementation. Debug hardware-software issues, review schematics, CAD, and code, and support hands-on laboratory testing. Occasional travel is required for supplier coordination and testing.
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 www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Sensor Selection, Integration & Characterization
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Technical Contributions
What You'll Bring
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Required Qualifications:
Technical Skills
Cross-Functional Aptitude
Preferred Qualifications:
Work Environment:
#LI-AA1
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.
Shield AI Waltham, Massachusetts, USA Office
500 Totten Pond Road, Waltham, MA, United States, 02451
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