Senior Machine Perception Researcher

Key Skills

AI Robotic systems, Algorithms, C++, Computer Vision (CV), Deep Learning, Effective communication skills, Git, Linux Operating system, Machine learning techniques, Mentoring, Python Programming, Sensor fusion Algorithms, Software Development, Writing

Job Description

Responsibilities

Draper's Perception and Embedded Machine Learning Group seeks an engineer to help develop, integrate, and deploy advanced perception systems, including for autonomous vehicles and robots able to operate in complex environments such as underwater, ground, air, and space. Examples of previous systems developed by our group include vision-based Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN) for guided parafoils or spacecraft landing, vision-aided inertial navigation for UAVs, localization systems for teams of soldiers, and real-time 3D mapping.

This role encompasses the full system development process, including discussing the capabilities of autonomous systems and perception systems with current or potential customers, decomposing mission concepts into algorithmic subsystems, identifying capability gaps, integrating or implementing state-of-the-art algorithms, testing systems in relevant operational environments, and transitioning or deploying the finished product. The candidate should have expertise in vision-aided navigation, GPS-denied navigation, and/or sensor fusion and experience working with these classes of algorithms when integrated into larger systems. The candidate should be capable of reading and understanding research papers, designing and implementing state-of-the-art algorithms, dealing with unique technical challenges, and effectively leading and working within multi-disciplinary teams.

Qualifications

Required qualifications include the following:

• PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, or a similar technical field of study, or MS with significant experience
• Research or technical contributions in one or more of the following fields: vision-aided navigation, inertial navigation, computer vision, perception, mapping, sensor fusion
• 2+ years of algorithm and software development and integration experience for autonomous systems (may include relevant graduate research experience)
• Programming experience in C++ or Python
• Ability to direct research and lead teams
• Good written and spoken communication skills

Desired qualifications include the following:

• Quality conference publications in the field of perception, autonomy, or deep learning
• Experience with stochastic estimation algorithms (e.g., Extended Kalman Filters)
• Broad robotics experience, especially integration and test with robotics platforms
• Exposure to adjacent subfields of robotics, such as: trajectory or motion planning; planning under uncertainty; optimal control; guidance, navigation & control (GN&C); and deep learning
• Experience working in large codebases as a member of a multi-developer team using collaboration tools such as Git
• Experience working in a Linux development environment and with Robot Operating System (ROS)
• Experience writing proposals and communicating with customers
• Experience mentoring or teaching students and/or coworkers

Overview

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 1,800 employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.

Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Draper is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We understand the value of diversity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact hr@draper.com.