Description
Description
Principal Systems Engineer
SAIC – San Diego, CA
About SAIC
Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) is a premier technology integrator solving our nation's most complex modernization and readiness challenges. In the maritime and naval domain, SAIC delivers advanced autonomous systems, AI/ML solutions, and mission-critical technologies to support the warfighter. Our San Diego presence places us at the heart of Naval Information Warfare and cutting-edge maritime autonomy development.
Your Impact
As a Principal Systems Engineer you will directly in support U.S. Navy programs by developing and integrating autonomous systems, computer vision solutions, and real-time analytics for unmanned maritime platforms. You will work alongside engineers and technicians to deliver mission-critical capabilities and push the future of cutting edge technologies.
JOB DUTIES:
Autonomous Systems & Integration
- Support and lead integration and test events for validation of autonomy algorithms on unmanned maritime platforms
- Develop and implement real-time data analytics and scoring frameworks for collaborative autonomy field experiments
- Research and evaluate decentralized database solutions for unmanned systems operating in Degraded, Disconnected, Intermittent, and Limited (DDIL) communication environments
- Interface directly with Navy customers and program offices to define and deliver technical requirements
Computer Vision & AI/ML
- Train, optimize, and deploy deep learning models for object detection and classification on power-constrained edge platforms
- Implement and evaluate state-of-the-art computer vision algorithms including:
- SLAM and real-time localization
- 3D reconstruction and photogrammetry
- Optical flow and image stitching
- Ship and object detection
- Leverage NVIDIA Jetson and similar edge computing platforms for embedded AI deployment
Embedded Systems & Hardware
- Design and develop embedded firmware for microcontroller-based systems
- Design, test, and assemble PCBs for prototype and product development
- Research and implement RTOS solutions and mesh networking algorithms for sensor networks
- Integrate and characterize LIDAR, SONAR, RGBD, and optical sensors
Qualifications
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelors and nine (9) years or more experience; Master's in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field and seven (7) years or more experience; PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience.
- 5+ years of relevant experience in:
- Autonomous systems and robotics
- Computer vision and deep learning
- Embedded systems development
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Must have an Active Secret clearance to start
- Strong proficiency in C++, C, and Python
- Hands-on experience with ROS, OpenCV, and PyTorch
- Experience deploying AI/ML models on edge hardware (NVIDIA Jetson or equivalent)
Demonstrated experience with systems integration and field testing
DESIRED SKILLS:
- Experience supporting NIWC Pacific or Naval programs in San Diego
- Background in maritime/underwater autonomous systems (AUVs, USVs, UAVs)
- Familiarity with synthetic aperture sonar and underwater sensing
- Experience with SfM, photogrammetry, and 3D capture workflows
- Knowledge of decentralized and mesh networking protocols
- Proficiency with Docker and Linux environments (Ubuntu, Red Hat)
Experience with PCB design tools (EAGLE CAD or equivalent)
- Prior recipient of SMART Scholarship or DoD fellowship
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