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:

This 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.