Perception Engineer

Company Description Virtus Maritime advances maritime defense for modern warfare through innovative design and construction of next-generation defense platforms. The company works with a coalition of strategic industry partners to drive cutting-edge advancements in maritime security. With a strong focus on continuous feedback from the field, Virtus Maritime ensures its unmanned vessels remain technologically advanced and operationally effective. This commitment to innovation positions Virtus Maritime as a leader in the maritime defense industry and offers team members the opportunity to contribute to impactful, mission-driven work.

Role Description The Perception Engineer will be responsible for developing, implementing, and optimizing perception systems that enable robust situational awareness for unmanned and manned maritime platforms. Day-to-day responsibilities include designing and integrating sensor fusion pipelines, building computer vision and machine learning models for detection, tracking, and classification, and validating algorithms through simulation and on-vessel testing. The role also involves collaborating closely with hardware, autonomy, and systems engineering teams to ensure reliable performance in real-world maritime environments, as well as documenting designs, models, and test results for internal and external stakeholders. This is a full-time, on-site role based in Morehead City, NC. Must be a US citizen.

Qualifications

• Strong skills in perception, computer vision, and machine learning for real-time systems, including experience with sensor fusion and object detection.
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in perception and robotics (such as Python and C++), and familiarity with relevant frameworks (e.g., OpenCV, ROS, TensorFlow or PyTorch).
• Experience working with sensors and embedded systems, such as cameras, radar, lidar, or sonar, and integrating them into autonomous or semi-autonomous platforms.
• Background in algorithm development, data processing, and performance optimization for deployment in constrained or safety-critical environments.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams and communicate complex technical concepts clearly to diverse stakeholders.
• Comfort working hands-on in a lab and vessel environment, including testing, troubleshooting, and iterative development of perception systems.
• Experience in defense, maritime, or autonomous systems is beneficial but not required.