Worker Type
Regular
Job Description
Summary
The Sr. Staff Video Processing and Tracking Engineer has the opportunity to lead engineering development and work with R&D to develop a variety of innovative capabilities - computer vision detection, classification, localization, and tracking solutions focused on implementation for defense and commercial applications. These development efforts are generally small focused design teams which will require one to use a range of skills and tools across traditional engineering, computer science, and mathematical disciplines including computer vision, machine learning, optimization, deep convolutional neural networks, and visual tracking. This position works on, and leads, a variety of stages of development including requirements definition, concept design, prototyping, detailed design, test and evaluation, and validation and verification testing.
Position Responsibilities
Develops Video Processing Chain for Computer Vision (CV) on embedded systems to enhance the autonomy of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS, UAV), computer vision and machine learning systems architecture/hardware and integration. Development of FPGA firmware, Ubuntu ARM Linux software, and/or GPU accelerated algorithms
Codes and tests software to support the integration of machine learning and visual tracking into aircraft (such as autopilots, payloads, or other functional components) or other robotic systems
Implements machine learning and visual tracking systems and validate designs through a series of designed experiments
Performs video processing development as it applies to autonomy, tracking, UAS operation, object identification, and control systems
Develops computer vision and machine learning algorithms capable of tracking objects-of-interest from a group 1 UAV across a wide range of viewpoints using existing gimballed camera payload
Conducts engineering analysis and trade studies for determining appropriate algorithms for specific products- develops a proof of concept capability demonstrations
Develops software for products using established software development practices & configuration control; supports transition of development projects to production
Supports flight test operations. Conduct design reviews and standards development and supports Visual tracking development for military or commercial applications
Performs design and analysis tasks using AeroVironment and industry developed tools. Supports development of system requirements, system test plans, and assist in validation testing
Analyzes the errors of the model and designing strategies to overcome them. Develops machine learning applications according to requirements; select appropriate datasets and data representation methods. Performs statistical analysis and fine-tuning using test results; run machine learning tests & experiments
Works on significant issues where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangibles. Exercises independent judgment in methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results
Acts independently to determine methods and procedures on new or special assignments. May supervise the activities of others
Other duties as assigned
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)
BS in Robotics, Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
Minimum 12 - 15 years of relevant engineering experience
Experienced developing Visual Tracking Software Video Processing Chains
Experienced with Python, C, C++, and OpenCV
Experienced managing Research Program Flight Tests and demonstrations
Demonstrated understanding of Feedback and Controls performance tuning mechanism
Some intrastate travel and other travel within the Continental U.S. may be required (up to 30%), as well as some weekend work
embedded ARM Linux software, GPU/ CUDA, Video Pipeline, C++, Python, CV
Other Matrixed Skills include:
Proficiency with a deep learning framework such as TensorFlow or Keras
Proficiency with Python and basic libraries for machine learning such as scikit-learn and pandas
Expertise in visualizing and manipulating big datasets
Proficiency with OpenCV; Familiarity with Linux
Ability to select hardware to run an ML model with the required latency
Computational statistics; Mathematical optimization
Data mining; Exploratory data analysis; Predictive analytics
Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies
1 - 5 years research or industrial experience is preferred
Experience with UAV or R/C aircraft or other lightweight miniature robotic systems desired
Research or industrial experience in the development of visual tracking desired
Experience employing GPU's, DSPs, or FPGA to accelerate video processing applications under Linux/ARM preferred
Experience modifying and compiling Ubuntu Linux Kernels for embedded ARM systems preferred
Experience developing drivers for Linux/ARM and Robot Operating System (ROS) preferred
Experience with Matlab, Robot Operating System (ROS) & Ubuntu on Nvidia Jetson and/or Xilinx Zynq preferred
Familiarity with ROS (Robot Operating System) preferred. Successful government research proposal experience preferred
Having broad expertise or unique knowledge, uses skills to contribute to development of company objectives and principles and to achieve goals in creative and effective ways
Has respect for-profit and strives to meet project schedule and budget. Complies with company's policies and procedures
Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills
Has effective leadership, problem-solving, analytical and interpersonal skills
Must be a team player and collaborate effectively
Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company
MOSA/FACE, AI, ML
Physical Demands
Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment (Constant)
Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)
The salary range for this role is:
$176,000 - $249,480
AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.
ITAR Requirement:
T_ _his position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment's determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment's business requirements. A "U.S. person" according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.
Benefits : AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits .
We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.
Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.
Who We Are
Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we've been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world's most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution's permanent collection in Washington, DC.
Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty - and succeed.
What We Do
Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company's hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.
ITAR
U.S. Citizenship is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability obtain a clearance is desired.
ABOUT US
At AeroVironment, our purpose is to secure lives and advance sustainability through transformative innovation. Our solutions give our customers a fresh vantage point, positioning them to see the world with new eyes and extending their reach beyond the line of sight. That is the power of our breakthrough unmanned aircraft systems, perfected and refined over a half century.
Whether they are warfighters searching for an enemy, border patrol agents searching for people in need of assistance, or telecom providers linking millions to the digital economy, our customers choose AeroVironment because our systems generate actionable intelligence reliably, creating a path to goals that would otherwise be unattainable.
Careers at AeroVironment (https://www.avinc.com/careers/our-team)
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