Engineer, Sensor Integration

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

• 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
• Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

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

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.