Software Engineer

Sensor Autonomy Engineer - Tactical Applications

About Overwatch

Overwatch Imaging is an imagery intelligence technology company working to bring sensor autonomy to time-critical airborne search, detection, tracking and monitoring missions. Our Automated Sensor Operator (ASO) software, native to our own line of purpose-built Smart Sensors and as an upgrade for airborne video gimbal platforms, brings Superhuman Vision and Workload Reduction to users of real-time imagery intelligence systems. We fundamentally believe that modern edge processing and AI-enabled autonomy can perform an important set of time-critical imagery intelligence missions better, faster and more safely than humans can alone.

Founded in 2016 in Hood River, Oregon, we support private sector companies as well as federal, state and local agencies around the world with missions ranging from wildfire mapping and disaster response to law enforcement, border security, maritime domain awareness and tactical intelligence.

Position Description

The Sensor Autonomy Engineer will design and implement software and firmware to transform high-level user inputs and raw sensor data into real-time customer intelligence for Overwatch's Tactical Applications products. This engineer works hands-on with prototype and low-rate production automated imaging systems, developing, testing, and deploying real-time onboard sensor autonomy, image processing and artificial intelligence algorithms, embedded hardware drivers, image manipulation software, user interfaces, and data post-processing tools built to perform within the size, weight, power, and latency constraints of tactical operating environments.

Level Description

The Sensor Autonomy Engineer is responsible for leading the design, development, and maintenance of complex software applications. They may have a technical leadership role in mentoring and managing teams of junior and mid-level software engineers. They are expected to have a strong technical background, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to make high-level decisions that affect the entire software development process.

What You'll Do

Mathematical Modeling & Analysis

3D mathematics, including coordinate systems, vectors, and rotations.

Control systems, state estimation, and motion planning.

Geospatial Imagery Optimization

Develop software to geolocate, rectify, mosaic, register, and combine imagery with map data.

Software Development

• Design, develop, and maintain complex software applications.
• Write clean, maintainable, and efficient code.
• Participate in code reviews, troubleshoot issues, and optimize software performance and functionality.

Payload Embedded Software

• Lead code development, version management, and testing for motion control, camera and IMU drivers, and data management.
• Balance urgent code changes and unit-specific customization with long-term software sustainability and code reuse.
• Interface with low-level hardware using SPI, I2C, UART, and analog interfaces.
• Improve error detection, reporting, and mitigation.

Software Interfaces

Develop and maintain connections between Overwatch Imaging payloads and external systems for command and control, external exploitation algorithms, and data export.

Software Deployment

Develop automated build tools to build, test, and deploy software updates while managing dependencies.

Character Attributes

• Thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced small startup business environment
• Highly motivated self-starter able to work independently and with a team
• Collaborates well in a small team environment
• Enjoys hands-on work and learning new skills
• Eager to learn and solve real-world problems and accept new challenges
• Takes pride in seeing new products reach operational use quickly

Experience and Education

• Formal education in software engineering, computer science, aeronautical engineering, robotics, optics or related fields.
• Strong analytical background in physical systems that interact with the real world
• Experience in airborne or space-based remote sensing and image processing; hands-on experience with mid-sized unmanned aircraft and/or airborne camera systems.
• Experience with image processing software, machine learning techniques, and/or autonomous systems.
• Experience with device driver implementation and embedded system deployment.
• At least 8 years of experience with a Bachelor’s degree, or
• At least 5 years of experience with a Master’s degree, or a Ph.D degree.
• Equivalent professional experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Technical Competence

• Strong experience with the following programming languages: C++, Python, CUDA, OpenCV.
• Strong experience with software versioning and branch management and issue/defect tracking systems.
• Knowledge of software development methodologies such as Agile or Scrum
• Knowledge of multithreading, parallel programming, interoperability, and algorithm optimization.
• Knowledge of Control Systems, IMU, and GPS/INS Hardware and Software
• Knowledge of Linux Operating System on GPU-Accelerated Hardware
• Experience integrating AI/agent coding assistants into daily development, and reviewing AI-assisted code with appropriate rigor
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to lead and mentor other software developers
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies

What We Offer

Growth Opportunities: As a team member of a true startup, you will learn by doing and shape our future. The opportunities are limitless for those who want to grow their career.

Impact Opportunity: We work on missions that matter to keep people safe and make the world better, and we do it without bureaucracy at the speed of a startup.

Team Collaboration: Work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with amazing teammates. The Overwatch Imaging leadership team believes in an open-door policy, meaning everyone has a voice and access to guidance, advice, feedback, and the ability to pitch crazy new products or ideas.

Late Start Wednesday: A weekly block to have focus time away from meetings and calls. An opportunity to work from home, flex your schedule or self-directed time to focus on training and development.

Time Off: Generous PTO to empower employees to make decisions about work life balance based on work and home needs.

Holidays: Overwatch Imaging recognizes 10 company holidays.

Ownership: Equity/Stock Options in our rapidly growing company.

Health Benefits: Medical/Dental premiums 100% covered by Overwatch Imaging for employees and their families, plus available pre-tax health savings account.

401K: Employer matching contributions up to 4% of pay.

This role is expected to be full-time and able to work in office in Nashville, TN. We are NOT accepting candidates for Remote Work at this time.

All applicants must be authorized to work on a permanent basis in the United States.

Overwatch Imaging is an equal opportunity workplace and makes employment decisions based on merit and business needs, regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status, or any other protected personal characteristic.

Export Control Compliance Notice

This position may involve access to data, technology, or software that is subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As such, employment is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to obtain any necessary export authorization, as determined by an export compliance assessment conducted by the company.