Senior ML Engineer, Perception
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 13, 2026. First seen by Alion on Nov 12, 2026. Clera scores B on the Alion truth index.
About the Role
Lead the perception stack for an autonomous defense robotics system, covering detection, tracking, classification, and sensor fusion. You will partner with robotics, controls, and hardware engineers to deliver reliable performance in real-world field conditions.
What You'll Do
Own perception architecture across detection, tracking, classification, and sensor fusion.
Build ML models and training pipelines, then deploy models to embedded hardware.
Fuse EO/IR and other sensor data across the perception system.
Optimize real-time perception for embedded compute and strict latency budgets.
Work closely with robotics, controls, and hardware teams to deliver systems that perform in the field.
Mentor perception engineers while contributing directly to implementation.
What We're Looking For
At least 5 years building and shipping perception systems on physical hardware.
Strong Python and production C++ skills, with experience in ML engineering and computer vision.
Experience building real-time detection and tracking using live sensor data, including moving-target tracking and ego-motion compensation.
Hands-on deployment of ML models with TensorRT, ONNX, or equivalent, and optimization for embedded compute.
Experience developing ML training pipelines through deployment and delivering systems that work against real-world targets.
Background in robotics, autonomy, aerospace, or defense perception; experience with aerial targets, thermal imagery, radar, or multi-sensor fusion is helpful.
BS, MS, PhD, or equivalent experience in computer science, electrical engineering, robotics, or a related field.
Compensation & Benefits
Base salary range: $190,000 to $222,000 annually. Visa sponsorship is not available.
Location
On-site in San Francisco, California, United States.