Lead Computer Vision Engineer

Location: Onsite — Austin, TX

Employment Type: Direct Hire, Full‑Time

Job Title: Lead Computer Vision Engineer

About 9 Mothers

The modern battlefield has changed. Cheap, autonomous suicide drones have turned the tactical advantage upside down, and the world is looking for a solution. At 9 Mothers, we aren’t just "innovating"—we are building the shield.

Backed by top-tier investors, we develop AI powered machines designed to intercept and neutralize Group 1/sUAS threats in real-time. Our flagship product is a low-power, counter-drone system built for the edge—on vehicles, at bases, or in a soldier's pack.

Why 9 Mothers?

While others build for "awareness" or "long-term research," we build for the immediate survival of those in harm’s way. We are a team of hackers, engineers, and mission-driven builders who value field-ready capability over polished slide decks. If you want to see your code or hardware in the field next month—not next year—this is your playground.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Lead Computer Vision Engineer to serve as the “eyes” of our autonomous c-sUAS platforms. You will design, implement, and optimize the entire perception pipeline, specializing in low-latency, high-frame-rate processing to track small, fast objects with zero margin for error. You should be comfortable building models and systems from the ground up, moving beyond simply utilizing existing frameworks.

Essential Duties

• Architect and Implement: Develop the entire embedded CV pipeline using high-performance Python and C++.

• Target Tracking & Sensor Fusion: Design and deploy robust multi-object tracking and sensor fusion algorithms to ensure high-fidelity state estimation of fast-moving targets.

• Object Detection: Utilize real-time models (e.g., YOLO) and CNNs optimized for speed.

• Embedded Optimization: Optimize code for low-latency performance on resource-constrained NVIDIA Jetson environments using libraries like TensorRT and TFLite.

• Geometric Vision: Apply principles of calibration, rectification, and 3D geometry to translate 2D footage into accurate 3D coordinates for fire control.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with robotics teams to ensure perception data is reliable for autonomous decision-making.

Requirements

• Programming: Strong background in C++ (for performance) or Python.

• SLAM/Localization: Deep expertise in VIO, VO, and SLAM frameworks for real-time state estimation.

• Libraries: Proficiency in OpenCV and image-processing modules in PyTorch or TensorFlow.

• Deployment: Experience with DNN inference libraries (e.g., TensorRT, TFLite, and others) for edge deployment.

• Architecture: Hands-on experience building embedded CV systems for real-time applications involving small, fast objects.

• Geometric Vision: Deep understanding of camera calibration and 3D geometry.

• Compliance: US Citizenship and the ability to pass a background check

Nice-to-Have

• Prior defense startup experience.

• Security clearance or the ability to obtain one.

• A passion for building robots or engineering projects as a hobby.

Benefits

• Meaningful Early Equity: You aren't just an employee; you are a foundational owner. Your contributions directly drive the value of your stake in the company.

• Direct Roadmap Influence: Forget the bureaucracy of big defense. You will have a seat at the table, directly shaping our product and technology trajectory from day one.

• Mission-Critical Work: We don't build for "what if." We build systems the Department of War actively needs to counter immediate, real-world threats.

• The Builder's Playground: Work in a brand-new lab fully optimized for rapid prototyping, equipped with NVIDIA Jetsons, high-end scopes, and 3-D printers.

• 100% Employer-Paid Premiums: We cover 100% of your medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums and cover 50% of healthcare premiums for your dependents.

• Unlimited PTO: We value results, not clock-watching. Take the time you need to stay sharp and recharge.

• Zero Red Tape: You report to the founders. You have the autonomy to make technical decisions that would take months of committee approval at a larger firm.

• Austin-Based Culture: Join an onsite team in Austin, TX, where we prioritize high-bandwidth collaboration and rapid field-testing.

• Relocation Assistance: We want the best talent in the room. If you aren't in Austin yet, we’ll help you get here, to make your transition to the Silicon Hills seamless.

About the Interview

• Application screen phone call (30 min)

• Virtual interview with co-founder/CTO + Director of Engineering (45 min via MS Teams)

• Paid take-home consulting agreement ($500, ~4-8 hours)

• Review work

• Virtual interview with co-founder/CEO (45 min via MS Teams)

• In-person visit to Austin

• Offer