Perception Hardware Engineer Job at Saronic in Austin

Job Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled multidisciplinary engineer specializing in camera and perception sensor hardware to design, test, and implement advanced autonomous vehicle sensor systems. In this role, you will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, including software developers, mechanical engineers, and naval architects to create innovative optical and sensor solutions that address the unique challenges of marine environments. Your expertise will drive the integration of high-performance perception technologies, ensuring reliable and high-quality data capture for navigation and operational purposes. If you are passionate about pushing the boundaries of perception hardware in autonomous applications, we invite you to join our dynamic team.

Responsibilities

• Drive the design and development of camera hardware systems, including sensor selection, optics integration, and electronic circuitry for autonomous surface vessels.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including mechanical engineers and software developers, to ensure seamless integration of camera and sensor systems into navigation and control algorithms.
• Assess and select camera components (sensors, lenses, and supporting electronics) that meet specific performance and durability standards for extreme maritime conditions.
• Design and select sensors or integrated products used for navigational and situational awareness in a marine environment, creating data for sensor fusion and machine learning algorithms.
• Develop prototypes of camera systems and conduct rigorous testing to evaluate image quality, latency, and environmental resilience under real-world conditions.
• Identify and resolve hardware-related issues during the development and field-testing phases, ensuring the reliability of camera systems.
• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation of hardware and software designs, testing protocols, and performance metrics for future reference.
• Participate in field tests of autonomous vessels, gathering data on camera performance and making necessary adjustments based on real-world feedback.
• Assist in planning and managing projects related to camera hardware, ensuring timely completion of development milestones.
• Research new products and drive vendor developments for continuous improvement.
• Provide expert technical support to internal teams and external stakeholders regarding camera system functionalities and troubleshooting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics or similar.
• Experience interacting with vendors and developing supply chain relationships.
• Experience with full life cycle product development, from initial concept to manufacturing
• Knowledge in building compute systems for GPU acceleration, high-bandwidth data transfer, specifically tailored for computer vision and machine learning applications.
• Basic understanding of computer networking, GPU compute hardware, ability to spec out compute servers.
• Knowledge of major camera component technologies, functions, and the ability to describe their effects on imaging.
• Extensive experience in camera component and accessory selection to achieve optimal performance for computer vision applications.
• Understanding of MEMS sensor technologies and the ability to down select components such as accelerometers, IMUs, INS systems, RTK GPS systems, and other high precision positioning/orientation technologies.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge in optical physics of light, filters, reflective and transmissive material sciences, interferometry and the physics behind a camera's optical construction, sensors, geometries, and lenses.
• Familiarity of the infrared spectrum, black body radiation, other physical phenomena related to infrared imaging.
• Knowledge of infrared cameras including construction, sensor physics, lens and material properties.
• Background in machine vision and learning algorithms.
• Familiarity with basic radar sensor technologies, fundamental physics, and subcomponent construction.
• Experience in Rust, C/C++, Python, and OpenCV libraries.
• Proven ability to spec out, design, and build high-performance compute servers optimized for computer vision workloads. This includes selecting appropriate processors, GPUs, memory, and storage solutions to ensure efficient data handling and real-time processing capabilities.
• Linux proficiency strongly preferred.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services
• Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
• Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care
• Saronic pays 99% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
• Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays
• Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents
• Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan
• Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company's success
• Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
• Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office