Shield AI

Senior Engineer, Sensor Integration (R5128)

Shield AI$120K — $180K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related field
  • 1-4 years relevant experience (including new grads with strong project experience)
  • Ability to work across at least two engineering domains (electrical, mechanical, software)
  • Understanding of sensor measurement principles and error sources
  • Proficiency in programming or scripting for data analysis (Python, MATLAB, etc.)
  • Familiarity with sensor communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN)
  • Hands-on experience with lab equipment and sensor testing

Responsibilities

  • Support sensor integration from specification through production
  • Develop and implement sensor characterization and calibration procedures
  • Participate in cross-functional collaboration with engineering teams
  • Conduct design reviews and contribute technical insights
  • Create and execute test plans for sensor performance validation
  • Document sensor characteristics and integration requirements
  • Debug issues spanning hardware-firmware-software boundaries

Benefits

  • Collaborative work environment with multi-disciplinary teams
  • Hands-on lab work combined with analysis and documentation
  • Opportunities for travel to coordinate testing and supplier relations
Full Job Description
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:

Sensor Selection, Integration & Characterization
  • 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

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • 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

Technical Contributions
  • 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


Required qualifications:

Education & Experience
  • 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

Technical Skills
  • 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

Cross-Functional Aptitude
  • 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


Preferred qualifications:

  • 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


Work environment:

  • 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


$120,000 - $180,000 a year

#LI-SM1

#LC

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.

About Shield AI

Shield AI is a defense technology company that develops artificially intelligent systems for military applications. The company was founded in 2015 by Brandon Tseng, Ryan Tseng, and Andrew Reiter, and is headquartered in San Diego, California. Shield AI's products include autonomous drones and software that can be used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and other military operations. The company's mission is to reduce the number of military casualties by providing soldiers with better intelligence and situational awareness. Shield AI has received funding from a number of investors, including Andreessen Horowitz and Founders Fund.
Learn more about Shield AI
Size
200 employees
Industry
Founded
2015

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