Computer Vision Engineer, Senior

## **Location:** Onsite — Austin, TX

**Employment Type:** Direct Hire, Full‑Time

**Job Title:** Senior Computer Vision Engineer

**Company Overview**

9 Mothers Defense develops AI-enabled systems to counter unmanned aerial threats. Our first product, EDDA, is an autonomous counter-sUAS point-defense platform designed to detect, track, and neutralize Group 1 drone threats. The company is headquartered in Austin, Texas.

**Position Summary**

We are seeking a **Senior Computer Vision Engineer** to serve as the “eyes” of our autonomous c-sUAS platforms. You will design, implement, and optimize the entire perception pipeline, specializing in low-latency, high-frame-rate processing to track small, fast objects with zero margin for error. You should be comfortable building models and systems from the ground up, moving beyond simply utilizing existing frameworks.

**Essential Duties**

- **Architect and Implement:** Develop the entire embedded CV pipeline using high-performance Python and C++.

- **Target Tracking & Sensor Fusion:** Design and deploy robust multi-object tracking and sensor fusion algorithms to ensure high-fidelity state estimation of fast-moving targets.

- **Object Detection:** Utilize real-time models (e.g., YOLO) and CNNs optimized for speed.

- **Embedded Optimization:** Optimize code for low-latency performance on resource-constrained NVIDIA Jetson environments using libraries like TensorRT and TFLite.

- **Geometric Vision:** Apply principles of calibration, rectification, and 3D geometry to translate 2D footage into accurate 3D coordinates for fire control.

- **Cross-Functional Collaboration:** Work with robotics teams to ensure perception data is reliable for autonomous decision-making.

**Requirements**

- **Programming:** Strong background in C++ (for performance) or Python.

- **SLAM/Localization:** Deep expertise in VIO, VO, and SLAM frameworks for real-time state estimation.

- **Libraries:** Proficiency in OpenCV and image-processing modules in PyTorch or TensorFlow.

- **Deployment:** Experience with DNN inference libraries (e.g., TensorRT, TFLite, and others) for edge deployment.

- **Architecture:** Hands-on experience building embedded CV systems for real-time applications involving small, fast objects.

- **Geometric Vision:** Deep understanding of camera calibration and 3D geometry.

- **Compliance:** US Citizenship and the ability to pass a background check

**Preferred Qualifications**

- Prior defense startup experience.

- Security clearance or the ability to obtain one.

- A passion for building robots or engineering projects as a hobby.

**Benefits**

- **Meaningful Early Equity** : You aren't just an employee; you are a foundational owner. Your contributions directly drive the value of your stake in the company.

- **Direct Roadmap Influence** : Forget the bureaucracy of big defense. You will have a seat at the table, directly shaping our product and technology trajectory from day one.

- **Mission-Critical Work** : We don't build for "what if." We build systems the Department of War actively needs to counter immediate, real-world threats.

- **The Builder's Playground** : Work in a brand-new lab fully optimized for rapid prototyping, equipped with NVIDIA Jetsons, high-end scopes, and 3-D printers.

- **100% Employer-Paid Premiums** : We cover 100% of your medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums and cover 50% of healthcare premiums for your dependents.

- **Unlimited PTO** : We value results, not clock-watching. Take the time you need to stay sharp and recharge.

- **Zero Red Tape** : You report to the founders. You have the autonomy to make technical decisions that would take months of committee approval at a larger firm.

- **Austin-Based Culture** : Join an onsite team in Austin, TX, where we prioritize high-bandwidth collaboration and rapid field-testing.

- **Relocation Assistance** : We want the best talent in the room. If you aren't in Austin yet, we’ll help you get here, to make your transition to the Silicon Hills seamless.

**About the Interview**

1. Application screen phone call (30 min)

2. Virtual interview with co-founder/CTO + Director of Engineering (45 min via MS Teams)

3. Paid take-home consulting agreement ($500, ~4-8 hours)

4. Review work

5. Virtual interview with co-founder/CEO (45 min via MS Teams)

6. In-person visit to Austin

7. Offer