Be an Early Applicant
Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.
The Role
Design and implement novel real-time computer vision algorithms in C++, develop and maintain C++ CV pipelines for autonomous systems, integrate deep learning models with perception systems, collaborate with AI/robotics/optical engineers, and keep up with academic research to deliver reliable edge solutions.
Summary Generated by Built In
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
We’re looking for a Computer Vision Engineer (C++) to join our team in Port Melbourne, contributing to the development of innovative, real-time perception solutions for next-gen autonomous platforms. Whether you're a recent PhD graduate or a seasoned commercial developer, this is an opportunity to help solve real-world defence challenges using cutting-edge vision and AI technology.
You’ll be part of a team developing custom algorithms - not just applying libraries - and will work alongside expert AI and deep learning engineers to integrate CV into real-time pipelines across a range of unmanned systems.
What You'll Do:
- Design and implement novel computer vision algorithms from scratch, optimised for real-time performance.
- Develop and maintain C++-based CV pipelines as part of autonomous mission systems.
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of AI, robotics, and optical engineers to deliver reliable edge solutions.
- Support the integration of deep learning models into broader CV systems, working closely with AI experts.
- Stay across current academic research and emerging techniques in computer vision and ML.
What You'll Bring:
- Deep proficiency in C++ and comfortable working in high-performance real-time environments.
- Strong experience writing custom computer vision algorithms, beyond just library use.
- Solid understanding of computer vision, image processing, and machine learning principles.
Bonus Points For:
- Experience in any of the following:
- Object detection, target tracking, or 3D reconstruction.
- SLAM, camera calibration, or behaviour analysis.
- Automated video surveillance or other related real-time vision systems.
- Familiarity with OpenCV and similar vision toolkits.
- Exposure to deep learning for image classification, recognition, or sequence modelling.
- Interest in combining deep learning and CV pipelines in real-time deployment scenarios.
- Master’s or PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
- Previous Defence experience is highly desirable.
Why Shield AI?
- Build mission-critical vision and autonomy systems that make a real-world impact.
- Collaborate with some of the best minds in AI, autonomy, and defence technology.
- Hybrid role based in our Port Melbourne office.
- Salary + equity for permanent roles, with a strong career development pathway.
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check.
Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
Skills Required
- Proficiency in C++
- Experience working in high-performance, real-time environments
- Experience writing custom computer vision algorithms (beyond library use)
- Solid understanding of computer vision, image processing, and machine learning principles
- Experience integrating deep learning models into computer vision systems
- Familiarity with OpenCV and similar vision toolkits
- Experience in object detection, target tracking, or 3D reconstruction
- Experience with SLAM, camera calibration, or behaviour analysis
- Experience with automated video surveillance or related real-time vision systems
- Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
- Previous defence experience
What the Team is Saying
Dylan
Lead Engineer, Planning and Controls-Motion
Mo
Lead Engineer, Platform Automation
Willy
Technical Director
Michael
Engineering Manager - State Estimation
Vibhav
Senior Staff Engineer
Kirby
Mechanical Engineer
Ryan
CEO
Evan
Senior Machine Learning Engineer
Shield AI Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Company materials describe excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage alongside a mental‑health EAP. Site perks such as an onsite gym in DC and a gym discount in San Diego support a health‑focused offering.
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Retirement Support — Careers materials highlight a 401(k) with company match as part of the standard package. A Total Rewards overview emphasizes retirement features within a broader, transparent compensation view.
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Career-Linked Recognition & Rewards — Compensation for in‑demand technical and senior go‑to‑market roles is described as competitive, with visible engineering ranges and top‑end packages. This points to meaningful upside tied to role, level, and scarce skills.
Shield AI Insights
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The Company
What We Do
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide.
Why Work With Us
What makes Shield AI special is our people. We unlock the power of autonomy, and in the face of overwhelming odds and challenges, we find ways to win and make a difference for our customers. We bring together software, AI, and aerospace engineering disciplines to deploy the most intelligent aviation capabilities in the world.
Gallery
Shield AI Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
Typical time on-site:
3 days a week
