Senior Manager, Perception

About the role

As a member of the HMS Perception team, you will develop software at the intersection of state estimation, sensor fusion, AI, and machine perception, deploying it on real hardware to provide robust vehicle pose and environment estimates for missions. The role leads a technical team delivering perception algorithms for advanced aerospace, defense, and robotics systems.

Key responsibilities

• Lead autonomy, integration, and testing teams, aligning technical efforts and driving mission‑focused execution.
• Write production‑quality C++ software and develop an Assured Position, Navigation, and Timing (A‑PNT) system for GNSS‑degraded environments.
• Extend Shield AI’s state‑estimation framework for new sensors, platforms, and missions.
• Collaborate with hardware and test teams to validate algorithms on aerial platforms and produce analysis tools for code quality.

Required profile

• BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum 10 years of related experience (or equivalent with advanced degree) and at least 2 years managing technical teams.
• Demonstrated experience integrating sensor payloads in DoD projects and ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
• Proven problem‑solving, collaboration, and communication skills in fast‑paced, Unix‑based environments.

Required skills

• C++ programming.
• Sensor fusion for high‑bandwidth exteroceptive sensors on compute‑constrained systems.
• State estimation theory, Kalman Filters, Factor Graphs, probabilistic robotics.
• Computer vision expertise, including OpenCV or similar libraries.
• High‑fidelity simulation and sensor modeling.
• Unix/Linux environment proficiency.