Robotics Perception Engineer I/II – Perception Systems & Integration

Job description

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter. We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here. We are seeking a Robotics Perception Engineer to build and integrate real-time vision systems and perception infrastructure for unmanned aerial platforms. You will develop camera pipelines, implement sensor fusion algorithms, and create robust testing frameworks to ensure reliable perception performance across diverse operating conditions. **Responsibilities:** **Vision System Integration** - Develop and maintain camera drivers and sensor interfaces for **multi-camera systems on embedded platforms** - Integrate off-the-shelf and custom **perception algorithms into production autonomy stacks** - Build efficient image processing pipelines using GStreamer, V4L2, and **Jetson** multimedia APIs - Implement camera calibration workflows including intrinsic, extrinsic, and temporal synchronization - Design data logging and telemetry systems for perception subsystem monitoring and debugging **Perception Infrastructure & ROS2 Development** - Build ROS2 nodes for camera capture, sensor fusion, and perception output distribution - Develop standardized message interfaces and APIs between perception, planning, and control systems - Create visualization and diagnostic tools for real-time perception system health monitoring - Implement efficient data serialization and transport for high-bandwidth sensor streams - Maintain perception software repositories with proper documentation and version control **Algorithm Implementation & Tuning** - **Integrate visual-inertial odometry (VIO) and SLAM libraries for state estimation** - Tune EKF/UKF filters for multi-sensor fusion from IMU, cameras, barometers, and rangefinders - Implement outlier rejection and sensor health monitoring for robust operation - Optimize algorithm parameters based on flight test data and performance metrics **Testing & Validation** - Design comprehensive test scenarios in simulation environments - Develop automated regression test suites for continuous integration of perception updates - Analyze flight logs and sensor data to identify failure modes and performance degradation - Create hardware-in-the-loop test setups for pre-flight validation - Support flight test operations and conduct post-flight performance analysis **Qualifications:** - **2-4+ years of experience** in **robotics perception**, **computer vision**, or **sensor integration** - Bachelor's in Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field – equivalent industry experience also welcome - Proficient in C++14/17 with understanding of modern software development practices - Strong hands-on experience with ROS2 architecture, packages, and development workflows - Solid understanding of camera systems, image sensors, and computer vision fundamentals - Experience with sensor calibration procedures and multi-sensor time synchronization - Familiarity with Linux development environments and embedded systems - Strong debugging skills and experience with system-level integration **Preferred:** - **Experience with camera drivers**, GStreamer, V4L2, or similar multimedia frameworks - Hands-on experience with **NVIDIA Jetson platforms** (Orin, Xavier, AGX) - Prior work with small UAVs, drones, or mobile robotics platforms - Familiarity with PX4 or ArduPilot autopilot systems and MAVLink protocol - Experience with state estimation techniques (EKF, UKF, particle filters) - Knowledge of VIO/SLAM frameworks (OpenVINS, VINS-Fusion, ORB-SLAM) - Python skills for data analysis, visualization, and tooling development