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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Computer Vision Engineer - Autonomy & Perception - **Company:** Pivotal LLC - **Location:** Palo Alto, CA, United States - **Salary:** $157,000.0 - $182,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Computing Platforms, Artificial Neural Networks, Computer Vision, C++ (Programming Language), Middleware, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation, Image Quality, Imaging Technology, Python (Programming Language), Linux System Administration, Machine Learning, Object Detection, OpenCV, Open Source Technology, Tensorflow, Sensor Fusion, Software Engineering, Data Processing, Pytorch, Deep Learning, Reliability of Systems, Information Technology, Operational Systems, Multiaccess Edge Computing - **Published:** June 11, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=afc05334a7fc03df ## About the Role Do you have experience in Middleware systems?, Do you have a Master's degree?, The ideal candidate combines strong computer vision fundamentals with practical experience deploying perception systems on robotic or autonomous platforms. You will play a key role in developing vision capabilities that support navigation, obstacle avoidance, target tracking, and mission autonomy while contributing to the broader autonomy stack deployed on operational aircraft., * Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field. * Experience: 2-4 years of industry experience in computer vision, robotics, machine learning, or autonomous systems OR Master's degree with 1-2 years of industry experience. * Strong proficiency in C++, Python, or Rust. * Experience with OpenCV and modern computer vision frameworks. * Experience developing perception systems using PyTorch, TensorFlow, or similar machine learning frameworks. * Strong understanding of image processing, geometric vision, and camera systems. * Experience with object detection, tracking, segmentation, and machine learning-based perception algorithms. * Familiarity with sensor fusion and state estimation techniques. * Experience with ROS/ROS2 or similar robotics middleware. * Experience developing software in Linux environments., * Master's or PhD in Computer Vision, Robotics, Machine Learning, Computer Science, or a related field. * Experience with autonomous aircraft, UAVs, robotics, or aerospace systems. * Experience with visual SLAM, visual-inertial odometry, or localization systems. * Knowledge of camera calibration, multi-camera systems, and geometric computer vision. * Experience integrating lidar, radar, thermal cameras, and inertial sensors into perception systems. * Experience deploying AI models on embedded platforms such as NVIDIA Jetson or similar edge computing hardware. * Familiarity with simulation environments such as Gazebo, Isaac Sim, AirSim, or equivalent. * Experience optimizing perception systems for real-time performance and resource-constrained platforms. * Contributions to open-source robotics, autonomy, or computer vision projects. * Familiarity with defense industry standards and security clearance processes. Attributes aligned with Core Values * Demonstrates a proactive safety mindset by embedding safety into daily operations, identifying and mitigating risks through assessments and training, encouraging open dialogue on safety concerns, and continuously improving protocols to ensure a safe work environment. * Puts customers at the center of every action by deeply understanding their challenges, delivering exceptional value, and striving to exceed expectations to support their success as our core purpose. * Actively seeks and values diverse stakeholder perspectives, builds cross-functional relationships, and fosters trust through empathetic, fact-based communication-committing to shared decisions for the greater good. * Drives results with clarity and purpose by focusing on what matters most, adapting to change, taking initiative, and owning outcomes while aligning actions with a clear understanding of success at every level. * Navigates ambiguity with resilience and bold thinking, challenges the status quo, and combines innovative ideas with practical best practices to overcome obstacles and drive progress. * Fosters a high-performance culture grounded in respect, professionalism, and support-balancing high expectations with a healthy, collaborative environment and being a trusted, dependable teammate. ## Description * Perception & Computer Vision: Design and develop perception systems for autonomous aerial platforms operating in GPS-denied and contested environments; implement object detection, classification, segmentation, and tracking algorithms using RGB, thermal, and multimodal sensor data; develop visual perception pipelines for obstacle detection, collision avoidance, and situational awareness; build scene understanding capabilities to support autonomous navigation and mission execution; evaluate and integrate state-of-the-art computer vision and AI techniques into operational systems. * Visual Navigation & Localization: Develop visual-inertial odometry, localization, and mapping algorithms; implement vision-based navigation solutions for degraded and GPS-denied environments; support SLAM and feature-based localization systems; design robust estimation methods that fuse camera, IMU, GPS, lidar, and radar data; improve navigation performance through sensor fusion and environmental awareness. * Machine Learning & AI: Develop, train, and deploy deep learning models for onboard perception; create data processing, labeling, augmentation, and evaluation pipelines; optimize neural networks for real-time inference on embedded computing platforms; analyze model performance and improve robustness across operational conditions; support deployment of perception models on edge AI hardware. * Camera Systems & Sensor Integration: Integrate and evaluate diverse imaging systems including RGB, stereo, fisheye, thermal, and event-based cameras; develop camera calibration workflows and sensor characterization procedures; support multi-camera synchronization and calibration efforts; improve image quality, calibration accuracy, and perception system reliability; collaborate with hardware teams to evaluate and integrate emerging sensor technologies. * Testing & Validation: Develop simulation and testing frameworks for perception algorithms; support software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, and flight testing activities; analyze flight data to identify performance gaps and improve perception robustness; establish metrics and validation procedures for autonomous perception systems; document system performance and support field deployments. ## Related Videos - [Deepfakes in Realtime - How Neural Networks Are Changing Our World](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/180-deepfakes-in-realtime-how-neural-networks-are-changing-our-world) - [Robots are coming into the wild! 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