Tracking Software Engineer, Space

Anduril Anduril · Defense · Costa Mesa, CA · AFS : Space Engineering

Develops 2D and 3D tracking algorithms for space objects, processing sensor data into actionable tracks for space situational awareness missions. Designs and implements multi-target tracking systems using state estimation and data association techniques, validates performance with physics-based models, and deploys algorithms into operational systems. Requires expertise in tracking, state estimation (Kalman filtering), data association (JPDA, MHT), and proficiency in MATLAB, Python, and C++.

What you'd actually do

  1. Perform systems engineering and algorithm development tasks supporting space and missile defense tracking missions
  2. Design and implement advanced object tracking and state estimation algorithms, including track initiation, maintenance, correlation, and termination
  3. Develop and evaluate multi-target tracking and multi-sensor fusion approaches for EO/IR, RF, or hybrid sensor architectures
  4. Implement advanced data association techniques including JPDA (Joint Probabilistic Data Association), MHT (Multiple Hypothesis Tracking), nearest neighbor, and track-to-track fusion methods
  5. Apply and refine data association techniques, such as: nearest neighbor and probabilistic association; Joint Probabilistic Data Association (JPDA); Multiple Hypothesis Tracking (MHT); and track-to-track fusion methods

Skills

Required

  • systems engineering
  • algorithm development
  • object tracking
  • state estimation
  • multi-target tracking
  • multi-sensor fusion
  • data association
  • JPDA
  • MHT
  • Kalman Filters (EKF, UKF)
  • Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) filters
  • MATLAB
  • Python
  • C++
  • modeling
  • simulation
  • Monte Carlo analysis
  • sensor data playback
  • hardware-in-the-loop testing
  • requirements decomposition
  • verification and validation
  • design reviews
  • technical documentation
  • briefings
  • U.S. Secret security clearance

Nice to have

  • advanced degree (MS or PhD)
  • missile defense
  • space systems
  • EO/IR sensors
  • RF sensors
  • kill vehicles
  • interceptors
  • countermeasures
  • real-time system constraints
  • embedded systems
  • edge compute optimization
  • MBSE tools (Cameo, Rhapsody, DOO)

What the JD emphasized

  • tracking algorithms
  • state estimation
  • data association
  • multi-target tracking
  • object tracking
  • track initiation
  • track maintenance
  • track correlation
  • track termination
  • multi-sensor fusion
  • JPDA
  • MHT
  • track-to-track fusion
  • physics-based models
  • modeling and simulation
  • Monte Carlo analysis
  • recorded sensor playback
  • hardware-in-the-loop testing
  • performance analysis
  • trade studies
  • simulation-based assessments
  • maneuvering targets
  • clutter
  • countermeasures
  • degraded sensing
  • MATLAB/Python prototypes
  • production C/C++ code
  • real-time operational systems
  • requirements decomposition
  • trade studies on tracking approaches
  • verification and validation planning
  • design reviews
  • technical documentation
  • briefings
  • active U.S. Secret security clearance
  • 5+ years of experience designing, implementing, and testing multi-target tracking algorithms for aerospace, defense, or autonomous systems
  • Strong theoretical and practical experience with state estimation techniques, including Kalman Filters (EKF, UKF), multi-target tracking concepts, and Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) filters
  • Experience developing tracking algorithms that handle track initiation, maintenance, correlation, and termination in operational systems
  • Proficiency in algorithm development using MATLAB and/or Python with demonstrated experience transitioning algorithms to C++ for production deployment
  • Experience with modeling, simulation, and testing workflows including Monte Carlo analysis, sensor data playback, or hardware-in-the-loop environments
  • Ability to work collaboratively with software engineers, systems engineers, and test teams to integrate tracking algorithms into operational systems