Edge AI Systems Engineer

About the role

This role is focused on supporting public sector projects by developing advanced AI systems designed for secure, distributed environments. The position involves working at the intersection of hardware engineering, machine learning, signal processing, and multi-sensor integration to enable autonomous field deployments in challenging environments. You will be responsible for prototyping and deploying AI models onto embedded hardware tailored for government edge environments, including areas with restricted or disconnected access. The role requires close collaboration with cross-disciplinary teams to create reliable, high-performance systems capable of operating in unstructured and rugged conditions. Your work will contribute to the development of autonomous systems that can function effectively in mission-critical scenarios, ensuring security, robustness, and efficiency.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Collaborate closely with AI and Network Software Engineers to design and implement low-latency, multi-node communication frameworks suitable for environments with limited or no connectivity.
• Quantize, compile, and deploy real-time multi-agent pipelines across various edge hardware architectures, ensuring optimized performance and reliability.
• Develop sophisticated algorithms for asynchronous multimodal data fusion, tracking, and signal processing to support autonomous decision-making.
• Design, build, and maintain high-fidelity Hardware-in-the-Loop simulation environments to rigorously test autonomy algorithms before field deployment.
• Lead the physical assembly, calibration, and ruggedization of multi-node prototypes, preparing them for deployment in unstructured, real-world environments.
• Support field testing and validation activities, including site calibration, operational testing, and system validation in government or defense settings.
• Assist in designing system architecture to optimize hardware and software integration, ensuring robustness and scalability.
• Contribute to the development of testing procedures, deployment workflows, and system documentation to facilitate ongoing improvements.
• Troubleshoot hardware and software issues during prototype development and field testing, providing timely solutions to ensure project milestones are met.
• Participate in cross-disciplinary meetings to align system design with mission requirements and operational constraints.
• Document technical specifications, test results, and deployment procedures to support knowledge sharing and future development efforts.
• Engage with stakeholders to understand mission needs and translate them into technical specifications for hardware and software solutions.

Requirements

• A minimum of 6 years of professional experience working with RF and networking architecture, tactical radio systems, and distributed middleware solutions.
• Practical experience with at least two of the following areas: embedded & edge AI systems, computer vision, signal processing, multimedia pipelines, or custom hardware integration.
• Strong understanding of physical SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power, Cost) optimization techniques, network partitioning strategies, multi-stream data ingestion, and cross-platform development across x86 and Jetson/ARM64 architectures.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and C++, with deep fluency in Linux operating systems.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical field or equivalent practical experience, including military service. Advanced field experience in relevant environments is highly preferred.
• Ability to work effectively in complex, unstructured environments, demonstrating problem-solving skills and adaptability.
• Excellent collaboration skills to work with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.
• Strong documentation skills to record system designs, test procedures, and results clearly and accurately.
• Willingness to travel as needed for field testing, calibration, and deployment activities.

Nice to have

• Experience developing, testing, or deploying autonomous software on tactical military or defense systems, including familiarity with open architecture standards.
• Proven track record of conducting field validation, site calibration, or operational testing of edge networks and ruggedized hardware in civilian or tactical environments.
• Knowledge of secure communication protocols and systems used in government or defense applications.
• Experience working with government agencies or defense contractors on similar projects.
• Familiarity with compliance standards related to defense or government systems, such as ITAR regulations.
• Prior involvement in hardware prototyping, ruggedization, and deployment in challenging environments.

Skills & tools

• Python
• C++
• Linux
• x86 architecture
• Jetson/ARM64 platforms

Practical notes

This is a full-time employment position with webAI, and employment is not contingent on project awards or funding. While Austin, Texas is the preferred location for in-person work, candidates based in the Washington D.C./Northern Virginia area or those with exceptional qualifications may be considered for remote work arrangements. Candidates should be prepared for potential travel to Austin headquarters for meetings or project milestones. The benefits listed are generally applicable to US-based employees; international employees should verify applicable benefits. The role involves working on-site at the designated location, and candidates must be able to work in a secure, on-site environment. The position emphasizes collaboration with government and defense clients, requiring a high level of professionalism and adherence to security protocols.