- Robot type
- Drone · Defense
- Location
- Foothill RanchCaliforniaUSA
- Job type
- Software
- Posted
- Apr 27, 2026
- Salary
- $191,000–$253,000 a year
Senior Tracking Software Engineer, Space
Job description
We are looking for a Senior Tracking Software Engineer to join our rapidly growing team in Foothill Ranch, CA. In this role, you will lead the development of advanced 2D and 3D tracking algorithms that maintain custody of space objects, processing sensor detections and messages into actionable tracks for space situational awareness missions. As a senior member of the team, you will architect and implement sophisticated multi-target tracking systems using cutting-edge state estimation and data association techniques, develop physics-based models to validate performance, and mentor engineers while working closely with software teams to deploy your algorithms into operational systems.
Job responsibilities
- Lead systems engineering and algorithm development tasks supporting space and missile defense tracking missions, providing technical direction and guidance to team members
- Architect and implement advanced object tracking and state estimation algorithms, including track initiation, maintenance, correlation, and termination
- Design and evaluate multi-target tracking and multi-sensor fusion approaches for EO/IR, RF, or hybrid sensor architectures
- Lead the implementation of advanced data association techniques including JPDA (Joint Probabilistic Data Association), MHT (Multiple Hypothesis Tracking), nearest neighbor, and track-to-track fusion methods
- Drive innovation in data association techniques, exploring novel approaches and optimizations for complex operational scenarios
- Build sophisticated physics-based models and conduct modeling and simulation including Monte Carlo analysis, recorded sensor playback, and hardware-in-the-loop testing to validate tracking performance
- Lead performance analysis, trade studies, and simulation-based assessments of tracking robustness under challenging conditions (maneuvering targets, clutter, countermeasures, degraded sensing)
- Collaborate with and mentor software engineers to transition tracking algorithms from MATLAB/Python prototypes to production C/C++ code optimized for real-time operational systems
Job requirements
- Currently possesses and is able to maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or related technical field
- 8+ years of experience designing, implementing, and testing multi-target tracking algorithms for aerospace, defense, or autonomous systems
- Demonstrated technical leadership in tracking algorithm development, including leading design efforts, mentoring team members, or serving as a subject matter expert
- Deep theoretical and practical expertise with state estimation techniques, including Kalman Filters (EKF, UKF), multi-target tracking concepts, and Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) filters
- Proven experience developing tracking algorithms that handle track initiation, maintenance, correlation, and termination in operational systems
- Expert proficiency in algorithm development using MATLAB and/or Python with demonstrated experience transitioning algorithms to C++ for production deployment
- Extensive experience with modeling, simulation, and testing workflows including Monte Carlo analysis, sensor data playback, or hardware-in-the-loop environments
Similar jobs
Anduril · Software
Staff Software Engineer, Discovery
Boston, Massachusetts · Costa Mesa, California
Anduril · Software
Senior Forward Deployed Software Engineer, Strategic Defense
Costa Mesa, California · Seattle, Washington
Anduril · Software
Technical Recruiter, Software - Air Dominance and Strike (Contract)
Boston, Massachusetts · Costa Mesa, California
Anduril · Software
Technical Recruiter, Software - Air Dominance and Strike (Contract)
Seattle, Washington · Costa Mesa, California
