Software Engineer I, Perception (New Grad)

Role Overview

The Software Engineer I, Perception (New Grad) position at True Anomaly involves building hybrid perception systems that combine classical computer vision with modern deep learning for autonomous spacecraft. This entry-level opportunity is based in Denver, Colorado or Long Beach, California, and suits aspiring engineers eager to blend traditional robotics perception with machine learning in the aerospace sector. Candidates should note this is initially a three-month temporary employment engagement with the potential to convert to regular employment based on performance and business needs.

Key Responsibilities

Professionals in this position implement classical tracking algorithms, such as Extended Kalman Filters for state estimation, the Hungarian algorithm for data association, and track management logic. Responsibilities include training neural networks for object detection and classification, building hybrid perception pipelines, and developing image processing chains that handle hot pixel filtering, adaptive thresholding, and star catalog matching. Engineers deploy models to edge hardware by quantizing neural networks, integrating with C++ inference engines like ONNX Runtime and TensorRT, and optimizing for space-qualified processors. Additional duties involve implementing coordinate transformations across various frames, generating synthetic training data using Blender with domain randomization, and validating end-to-end performance through software-, processor-, and hardware-in-the-loop testing.

Requirements

Applicants must be currently pursuing or have recently completed a Bachelor's or Master's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, robotics, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field. Essential qualifications include coursework in both computer vision and estimation theory, proficiency in Python, and some exposure to C++. Candidates need familiarity with classical tracking or deep learning, along with a solid understanding of linear algebra, probability, and coordinate transformations. The ability to read research papers from robotics and machine learning venues, strong debugging skills, and U.S. citizenship are mandatory requirements for facility access and government contracts.

Nice to Have

Preferred candidates bring experience with Extended Kalman Filters, multi-object tracking, state estimation, and neural network training in PyTorch or TensorFlow for object detection or segmentation. Familiarity with camera intrinsics and extrinsics, quaternion rotations, ECI, LVLH, and RIC frames is advantageous. Additional beneficial background includes edge model optimization, OpenCV, optimal estimation, sensor fusion, synthetic data generation, and prior internships or projects deploying algorithms to embedded systems.

Skills and Tools

Salary and Benefits

The base salary for this position is $75,000 in Denver and $80,000 in Long Beach, with the final level and base salary determined on a case-by-case basis. True Anomaly offers best-in-class healthcare featuring 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage with HSA/HRA options. Employees receive flexible time off, paid holidays, parental leave, sick leave, daily catered lunch, unlimited snacks, a 401(k) retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, Dog Fridays, and equity participation.

About the Company

True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority by building autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors. The organization focuses on creating asymmetric advantages through creativity, ingenuity, and a collaborative team culture that secures the space environment against emerging threats.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should visit the official True Anomaly careers page to submit an application and review further submission instructions.