Senior Engineering Manager, Autonomy & Perception (R3035)

As a Senior Engineering Manager, Autonomy & Perception at Shield AI, you will lead a team of autonomy developers focusing on developing the Hivemind AI Pilot. Your responsibilities will include collaborating with the product team to prioritize requirements, providing guidance on project scope, optimizing team capacity, and fostering a commitment-driven environment. Additionally, you’ll be involved in the hiring process and the professional growth of your team, ensuring they have clear expectations and continuous feedback.

To qualify for the Senior Engineering Manager position at Shield AI, candidates typically require a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, accompanied by a Bachelor’s degree, or a combination of academic qualifications and work experience. Proficiency in modern C++ development, experience with perception technologies, and a track record in managing development teams are crucial. Familiarity with the full lifecycle of software development and deployment in edge computing environments is also essential.

Success in the Senior Engineering Manager position at Shield AI requires strong technical skills in C++ and a solid understanding of perception technologies such as state estimation and sensor fusion. Leadership skills are paramount, as you will be leading a high-performing team. Experience with CI pipelines, automated testing frameworks, and Linux operating systems is also crucial. Lastly, a collaborative mindset and commitment to team culture will help drive the team's success.

As a Senior Engineering Manager, Autonomy & Perception at Shield AI, you can expect a competitive salary ranging from $195,361 to $293,042 annually, alongside bonuses, benefits, and equity options. Compensation packages are tailored based on experience, qualifications, and location, ensuring you are rewarded for your expertise and contributions.

The work environment at Shield AI for a Senior Engineering Manager is collaborative and fast-paced, rich with innovation. You will lead a team of talented developers within a culture of excellence, focusing on delivering high-quality AI solutions. With opportunities to engage in hands-on development as well as strategic leadership, you'll be part of a mission-driven organization committed to excellence in defense technology.

In a fast-paced environment like Shield AI, prioritizing projects involves close collaboration with the product team to assess requirements and align on goals. I utilize frameworks such as Agile to break down projects and emphasize delivering value rapidly. Through continuous feedback and adaptation, I ensure that my team focuses on high-impact features while maintaining flexibility to address changing needs.

In my previous roles, I've successfully led C++ development teams by setting clear objectives and fostering an inclusive environment that encourages collaboration. I focus on transparent communication and provide regular technical guidance to ensure high standards of work. Additionally, I promote continuous learning through mentoring and facilitating skill-enhancing workshops.

I am particularly experienced with state estimation and object tracking technologies. In my career, I have developed and implemented algorithms such as Kalman Filters and SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping). I also have practical experience with sensor fusion techniques, which I believe are critical for effective autonomy systems.

When it comes to talent acquisition, I believe in a collaborative approach involving clear job expectations and a thorough interview process. I prioritize finding candidates who not only possess the necessary technical skills but also align with our team's culture. Initiating discussions on career aspirations during interviews helps me assess their long-term potential within Shield AI.

To ensure my team meets project deadlines, I establish a commitment-driven environment where everyone feels accountable for their contributions. I emphasize realistic goal-setting and maintain an open line of communication to address any blockers as they arise. Regular check-ins and progress reviews allow us to stay aligned and pivot when required.

I view performance reviews as an integral part of employee development. I conduct regular 1:1 meetings with team members to provide ongoing feedback and identify growth opportunities. During formal reviews, I focus on both strengths and areas for improvement, and we collaboratively set professional development goals to empower their career advancement.

Leading a high-performing team always comes with challenges, such as balancing individual strengths and ensuring team cohesion. I address these by emphasizing open communication and establishing strong team dynamics. When conflicts arise, I mediate discussions to foster transparency and ensure everyone feels heard, ultimately leading to a more collaborative atmosphere.

My approach to software testing and integration focuses on establishing rigorous CI pipelines and automated testing frameworks. I advocate for test-driven development to identify issues early in the process. This not only improves code robustness but also instills a culture of quality within the team, ensuring our final products meet high standards.

I have substantial experience adopting Agile methodologies in my previous roles. By implementing Scrum practices, I have been able to enhance communication and adapt to changes rapidly. I also lead retrospective meetings to examine our processes regularly, ensuring continuous improvement and maintaining a focus on delivering value with each iteration.

To ensure our deliverables exceed customer expectations, I prioritize thorough communication with stakeholders to understand their needs intuitively. Incorporating customer feedback throughout the development process allows us to make adjustments proactively. Post-deployment, I advocate for engaging with users to gather insights and continually refine our offerings.