Perception Engineer

Fortastra Corporation • Torrance, CA

2d • $150,000 - $190,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Fortastra is seeking a Perception Engineer to focus on the tactical execution of autonomous spacecraft. This role involves developing computer vision and machine learning algorithms that enable spacecraft to detect, classify, and track objects in space within a multi-agent, coordinated vehicle ecosystem. The engineer will collaborate closely with GNC and Flight Software engineers to transform raw sensor data into reliable, real-time perception for onboard autonomy.

Requirements

• B.S. Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, Robotics, or other sciences and/or physics-based degree (M.S. with 1+ year of relevant experience also considered).
• 2–3 years of industry experience in robotics, perception, autonomy, or related fields (not including internships; exceptional internship experience considered).
• Experience with computer vision and machine learning for perception, including object detection and/or tracking.
• Proficiency in software development with Python and C++.
• Familiarity with Linux (Ubuntu) development environments.
• Experience with simulation tools such as ROS or similar robotics frameworks.
• Background in robotics, vehicle navigation, or autonomous systems.
• Understanding of safety-critical or failure modes for complex systems (spacecraft, automotive, aviation, industrial, or robotics).
• Comfort using modern agentic AI tools (e.g., Claude) in the development workflow.
• Ability to work independently and in small, fast-moving teams.
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain or have an active TS/SCI clearance (US Person considered).

Nice To Haves

• Exposure to active safety systems, ADAS, or other perception-heavy, safety-critical applications is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop computer vision and machine learning algorithms for object detection, classification, and tracking in the space environment.
• Design and implement perception software for multi-agent spacecraft scenarios, drawing on paradigms from UAVs, drones, and advanced driver assistance systems.
• Build perception pipelines and software stacks that process data from onboard sensors, with emphasis on camera-based systems and awareness of other sensing modalities.
• Curate, generate, and manage datasets for training, validation, and testing of perception models.
• Integrate perception algorithms into Fortastra’s proprietary simulation environment and ROS-based toolchains for end-to-end autonomy testing.
• Implement perception software in Python and C++, targeting Linux (Ubuntu) environments and eventual flight software integration.
• Collaborate with autonomy, GNC, and flight software teams to define interfaces, data products, and performance requirements for perception outputs.
• Contribute to the design of software architectures for detecting and tracking objects in space, including reasoning about edge cases and failure modes.

Benefits

• Unlimited Paid Time Off
• Comprehensive Healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
• Equity: Share in Fortastra's success with equity in the company you're helping build.
• 401(k)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level