> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2388702-chief-computer-vision-machine-learning-engineer-for-autonomous-anti-drone-systems](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2388702-chief-computer-vision-machine-learning-engineer-for-autonomous-anti-drone-systems). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Chief Computer Vision & Machine Learning Engineer for Autonomous Anti-Drone Systems - **Company:** Allen Control Systems - **Location:** Austin, TX, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, C++ (Programming Language), Hardware Design, Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, Object Detection, Tensorflow, Sensor Fusion, Signal Processing, Pytorch, Information Technology, Machine Learning Operations - **Published:** August 5, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.dice.com/job-detail/4a0e0b18-63eb-4538-b9c2-26483a050db8 ## About the Role * Deep expertise and 15+ years of experience in machine-learning-based computer vision and traditional image and signal processing, ideally in robotics, including systems deployed in real-time or safety-critical applications. * A track record of owning the architecture of a complex perception or autonomy system across multiple years and releases, from initial design through production hardening. * Demonstrated ability to set technical direction that other teams execute against, and to drive alignment through expertise and influence as well as authority. * Experience mentoring and leading senior team members, whether as a formal manager or as a principal-level technical leader. * At least a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, with a strong focus on machine learning and computer vision. * Strong command of Python and C++ and modern ML frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow, with the depth to review and guide work across the stack even where you are not writing the code yourself. * Comfort operating in a fast-moving, engineering-first environment where architecture decisions carry hard real-world consequences. You'll Stand Out * Prior experience as a Principal Engineer, Chief Engineer, or technical director for a perception, autonomy, or weapons/aerospace program. * Ph.D. in computer vision, machine learning, or related fields. * Experience with object detection and tracking in challenging real-world conditions such as small targets, cluttered backgrounds, or low-contrast imagery. * Background in defense, aerospace, or autonomous systems where performance and reliability requirements are non-negotiable. * Experience architecting systems for edge hardware such as NVIDIA Jetson or similar embedded GPU platforms, or with multi-sensor fusion across modalities such as optical and infrared cameras. * Experience taking a system through field testing, hardware integration cycles, and production hardening, not just software-only development. ## Description We are looking for a Chief Engineer, Computer Vision/Machine Learning to own technical direction and architecture for the CV/ML systems at the core of our autonomous gun turret. Working with our VP of AI and CV/ML Engineering Managers and individual contributors, you will set the technical strategy for real-time drone detection, tracking, and classification, and see it through from architecture to fielded, military-grade systems. This is a senior technical leadership role: your time will center on architecture, design review, and the hardest technical problems on the program, with a small group of senior engineers reporting to you. What You'll Do * Own the technical roadmap and architecture for the CV/ML stack, setting direction that Engineering Managers and their teams execute against. * Make and document the consequential technical decisions: sensor and compute architecture, model strategy, real-time performance tradeoffs, and how the perception system evolves across weapon system variants and engagement ranges. * Personally drive the hardest and most ambiguous technical problems on the program, from concept through field validation. * Lead a small group of senior CV/ML engineers, and mentor senior and staff engineers and managers across the broader team through design review and technical guidance. * Partner with the VP of AI and Engineering Managers to align technical strategy with product goals, delivery commitments, and hiring plans. * Set and uphold the technical quality bar across the CV/ML organization through architecture review, design review, and validation standards. ## Related Videos - [Robots 2.0: When artificial intelligence meets steel](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1452-robots-2-0-when-artificial-intelligence-meets-steel) - [Photonic Computing: Programming a New Class of AI Accelerators (incl. Live Coding)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100196-photonic-computing-programming-a-new-class-of-ai-accelerators-incl-live-coding) - [Machine learning in the browser with TensorFlowjs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/155-machine-learning-in-the-browser-with-tensorflowjs) - [Code to Road in < 12 hours](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1082-code-to-road-in-12-hours) - [Developing an AI.SDK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/198-developing-an-ai-sdk) - [Robots are coming into the wild! Full-Stack Robotics Engineers, be ready!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/479-robots-are-coming-into-the-wild-full-stack-robotics-engineers-be-ready) ## Related Articles - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [What is Software Engineering in the Age of AI?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/640-what-is-software-engineering-in-the-age-of-ai) - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [What is Agentic Programming and Why Should Developers Care?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/625-what-is-agentic-programming-and-why-should-developers-care) - [Never delegate the understanding](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/749-never-delegate-the-understanding) - [Navigating the AI Shift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/629-navigating-the-ai-shift)