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, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. 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.
