State Estimation Engineer – Real-Time Navigation

About the role

As a State Estimation Engineer you will join Shield AI's GNC team to develop, optimise and deploy advanced sensor‑fusion and navigation algorithms for autonomous UAVs operating in dynamic, contested environments.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement real‑time state estimation algorithms, including inertial navigation and sensor fusion for GPS‑denied environments.
• Integrate data from IMUs, GNSS, visual odometry, magnetometers, barometers and radar into robust estimation frameworks.
• Design sensor processing pipelines that prioritise accuracy, robustness and fault tolerance.
• Collaborate with autonomy, software and hardware teams to ensure end‑to‑end integration of navigation and PNT systems.
• Conduct simulations, lab tests and field trials to validate algorithm performance under real‑world conditions.

Required profile

• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience).
• Proficiency in C++11 or newer in real‑time environments.
• Comfortable working on Linux using standard command‑line tools and scripting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver high‑quality results in fast‑paced development cycles.

Required skills

• C++ (C++11+)
• Linux operating system
• Command‑line tools and scripting
• Sensor fusion and state estimation algorithms
• Kalman filters, EKF, UKF, particle filters
• Integration of IMU, GNSS, visual odometry, radar, magnetometer, barometer data
• CUDA or other hardware acceleration techniques