Perception Engineer (Space & Defense Tech)

Job description Perception & Sensing Engineer - Elevate Space Defense with Cutting-Edge Technology! El Segundo, CA | On-site Opportunity Summary Join a trailblazing team at the forefront of space defense innovation. We are seeking a dynamic Perception & Sensing Engineer to lead the integration and development of advanced sensing systems crucial to autonomous orbital interceptors. This role is pivotal to ensuring our interceptors navigate complex environments accurately. You'll collaborate closely with the founding team, contribute to essential test experiments, and see your work come to life in high-stakes applications. Backed by seed funding, this is a chance to be part of a rapidly evolving field with a direct impact on national security. About Us We are a cutting-edge startup focused on developing the next generation of space-based defense technology. Our mission is to design and deploy autonomous interceptors capable of neutralizing hypersonic and ballistic threats, addressing a critical need for the U.S. and its allies. As part of a small but elite team, you'll engage in developing systems that merge advanced sensing, guidance, and spaceflight. Our efforts are constantly tested in rigorous environments, from ground experiments to potential orbital deployments, ensuring every engineer plays a key role in shaping the future of defense technology. Job Duties Integrate sensor modules into sophisticated avionics systems Oversee the selection, calibration, and integration of sensors, including FOV analysis and lensing Construct high-reliability camera interfaces using SPI/I2C, MIPI, USB3, Ethernet, or custom buses Develop and implement perception pipelines for ultra-low latency object tracking Design and execute algorithms for target detection, filtering, and motion compensation Fuse data from IR/EO sensors with IMU, GPS, and other onboard estimators Collaborate with controls engineers to create perception-to-guidance interfaces for closed-loop systems Engineer verification and validation tests using high-G mounts and simulated environments Qualifications B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Robotics, or related field Extensive experience with IR/EO camera systems, radar, and imaging physics Proficient in computer vision with tools like OpenCV, NumPy, and SciPy Proven track record with real-time detection and tracking algorithm implementation Knowledgeable in signal processing, filtering, sensor fusion, and coordinate transforms Hands-on experience with thermal cameras, radar, and optical equipment Preferred Experience Familiarity with LWIR sensors or radar units Background in high-speed robotics or autonomous systems Experience with GPU acceleration, embedded systems, or FPGA-based vision Insight into optical modeling, lens design, and radiometry Understanding of IR scene modeling and synthetic target generation Experience in high-dynamic-range thermal environments or high-G mount design Familiarity with defense or aerospace sensor standards Why Join Us Employer covers 100% of your benefits Early-stage equity in a pioneering space defense startup Opportunity for full product ownership over propulsion systems Founding engineering role with significant influence Engage in impactful work at the intersection of space and national security Collaborate with a team led by a technical founder with experience at leading aerospace companies Be part of a mission-critical effort to protect millions Compensation Details $120,000 - $180,000 Keywords insurance-consulting-and-technology non-disclosure-agreement-nda certificate-authority-ca sensors-test-measurement sensor-integration sensors-feedback-devices avionics testing-and-analysis mobile-industry-processor-interface-mipi-alliance ethernet network-latency planning-and-design visual-art-design product-development-and-design infrared-ir-camera investor-relations gps electrical-engineering-and-planning computer-science imaging computer-vision image-recognition opencv numpy scipy time-and-attendance graphics-processing-unit-gpu embedded-control-automation field-programmable-gate-arrays-fpgas startups mission-critical