Design and develop target detection, tracking, and state estimation pipelines that produce robust track kinematics under challenging observation conditions
Implement track initiation, maintenance, association, and termination logic with well-characterized uncertainty
Develop and tune nonlinear state estimators (EKF, UKF, particle filters) for target motion modeling
Characterize seeker performance across engagement geometries, environmental conditions, and target signatures
Define confidence and covariance outputs that downstream autonomy can reason about
World State Modeling & Multi-Source Fusion
Architect the world state representation that fuses self-state, target tracks, terrain, threats, and mission context into a coherent model
Integrate outputs from VIO/SLAM, sensor fusion, and target tracking into a unified perception picture
Manage temporal alignment, coordinate frames, and data association across heterogeneous sensor streams
Define perception-to-autonomy interfaces with clear semantics for state, uncertainty, and freshness
Autonomy Integration & System Architecture
Own the perception architecture for the program and drive alignment with autonomy, guidance, and mission software teams
Design DDS topic structures and message contracts for perception outputs within a WOSA-aligned architecture
Build ROS2 nodes and libraries that expose perception capabilities through clean, versioned interfaces
Contribute reusable perception components back to the common AI/ML platform for use across programs
Balance program-specific customization against platform-level standardization
Embedded Performance & Deployment
Develop and optimize perception code in C++ for deterministic performance on embedded compute
Profile compute, memory, and I/O to meet real-time constraints on resource-limited platforms
Make architectural decisions about what runs on GPU, CPU, or dedicated accelerators
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Support integration, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and field validation of perception subsystems
Technical Leadership
Write technical design documents, RFCs, and trade studies that drive perception architecture decisions
Mentor junior perception engineers through code review, pairing, and technical direction
Represent perception in program-level technical reviews and cross-team planning
Translate program requirements into perception subsystem requirements with measurable acceptance criteria
Qualifications:
Bachelor's in Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related field (Master's preferred) – equivalent industry experience also welcome
6-9+ years of experience in robotics perception, state estimation, or sensor fusion
Strong proficiency in modern C++ for real-time embedded systems, with an emphasis on determinism, memory discipline, and performance
Hands-on experience with ROS2 and DDS-based middleware in production or program-delivered systems
Demonstrable experience developing and tuning nonlinear state estimators (EKF, UKF, or particle filters) for real applications
Working knowledge of at least one relevant area: target tracking, SLAM, VIO, or multi-sensor fusion – with the ability and interest to grow into the others
Experience deploying perception software on embedded compute platforms
Strong foundation in linear algebra, probability, coordinate frames, and estimation theory
Track record of owning a technical subsystem within a program or product from architecture through delivery
Ability to communicate technical trade-offs to both engineering and program stakeholders
Preferred:
Experience with seeker systems, target tracking, or guidance-adjacent perception in a defense context
Hands-on work with WOSA, MOSA, or other open architecture standards
Deep DDS experience including QoS design, discovery, and performance tuning
NVIDIA Jetson deployment experience including profiling, memory management, and platform-specific optimization
Experience with SLAM/VIO frameworks (OpenVINS, VINS-Fusion, ORB-SLAM, GTSAM, Ceres)
Familiarity with PX4 or ArduPilot autopilot integration and MAVLink
Understanding of multi-hypothesis tracking, JPDA, or MHT approaches
GPU acceleration experience (CUDA, TensorRT) for perception workloads
Experience with hardware-in-the-loop test infrastructure and flight test data analysis
Familiarity with model-based development workflows (Simulink, ROS2 code generation)
Publications, patents, or prior program contributions in tracking, estimation, or autonomous systems
Ability to obtain or maintain a security clearance
What's in it for you:
Benefits:
Competitive total compensation package
Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
401k with company-match
3 weeks of paid time off each year
40 hours of sick time
12 annual company holidays
Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?
Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team!
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify: https://www.e-verify.gov.
About Zone 5 Technologies
Aerospace & Defense
Zone 5 Technologies develops advanced unmanned aircraft systems for government and defense applications, from mission planning to modular avionics.
