Senior Software and ML Engineer Job Description

We are seeking a skilled Developer with expertise in ML, signal processing and agentic workflows to enhance our GPS-free positioning system. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in positioning, navigation, or autonomous driving, and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative startup environment. As an ML Developer, you will identify innovative solutions, develop robust algorithms and models, and work closely with a dynamic team to deliver cutting-edge technology to our clients. Since we are a small team this will include all aspect of model training from identifying applications to data collection and management through to the training itself as well as the integration into our C++ solution.

Responsibilities:

  • Design, develop, and optimize machine learning models to improve the accuracy and efficiency of our GPS-free positioning system using vehicle sensor data and offline maps.
  • Analyze and process sensor data (for example IMU, odometry or camera inputs) to extract meaningful features for localization algorithms.
  • Implement signal processing techniques to enhance data quality and robustness in challenging environments.
  • Leverage agentic workflows to streamline development, automate experimentation, and optimize model training and deployment pipelines.
  • Identify and tackle complex problems in positioning and navigation, proposing innovative solutions to improve system performance.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including software engineers, data scientists, and product managers, to integrate ML solutions into production systems.
  • Communicate technical concepts, progress, and challenges effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Stay updated on advancements in ML, signal processing, and positioning technologies to incorporate cutting-edge techniques into our system.
  • Contribute to a collaborative, remote work culture by actively participating in team discussions, code reviews, and knowledge sharing.

Requirements:

Education:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field. PhD is a plus.

Experience:

  • 3+ years of experience in machine learning and signal processing, with a focus on positioning, navigation, autonomous driving, or related fields.
  • Proven track record of developing and deploying ML models for real-world applications, preferably in offline or resource-constrained environments.
  • Experience with sensor data processing (e.g., IMU, vehicle odometry, cameras) and map-based localization techniques.
  • Professional experience at companies like SpaceX, Tesla or similar are a big plus.

Technical Skills:

  • Strong proficiency in C++, Python or similar languages for ML and signal processing development. The core of our product is written in C++.
  • Expertise in ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) and signal processing libraries (e.g., NumPy, SciPy).
  • Familiarity with the latest agentic workflows and tools to optimize development processes.
  • Knowledge of probabilistic modeling, sensor fusion (e.g., Kalman filters, particle filters). Computer vision experience is a plus.

Soft Skills:

  • Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive approach to identifying and solving problems.
  • Excellent verbal and written English communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment with evolving priorities.
  • Strong team player with a collaborative spirit, eager to contribute to a distributed, remote team.

Citizenship:

  • US citizenship is strongly preferred due to government and military contracts.

Location:

  • Fully remote, with the ability to work across US time zones.

Nice to Haves:

  • Contributions to open-source ML or signal processing projects.
  • Experience working with US government or military clients. Experience building for the ATAK platform.
  • Background in autonomous vehicle systems or robotics.
  • Familiarity with embedded systems or real-time processing for resource-constrained devices.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume (you don’t need a cover letter) and any portfolio or GitHub links showcasing your work in ML, signal processing, or positioning systems to info@tern.ai.

About TERN

We are a rapidly growing startup of more than two dozen employees, specializing in innovative, offline GPS-free positioning systems. Founded by a team of former special operators partnered with AI experts, our technology leverages existing vehicle sensor data, maps and a proprietary AI engine to deliver precise location solutions without relying on GPS or cellular networks. TERN’s IDPS™(Independently Derived Positioning System) serves a diverse clientele, including the US government, military, automotive manufacturers, environmental companies, delivery services, logistics providers, and emergency services. Our fully remote, collaborative work environment spans all US time zones, fostering a dynamic and entrepreneurial culture.

Why Join TERN?

Be part of a fast-growing startup revolutionizing a foundational technology that most of the world relies upon. Everyone on the team – developers, designers, sales people and marketers – believes in the critical mission because they’ve lived the pain GPS failures create and they’re able to experience IDPS™ in action.

Work in a collaborative, fully remote environment with a team of innovative and driven professionals. From day one, the founders intentionally built an environment where rapid iteration, bold ideas, and clarity of mission are the norm.

Get an opportunity to grow with the company in early stages and take on leadership roles as we scale.

Make a direct impact on critical applications for government, military, and commercial clients. IDPS™ isn’t theoretical tech; it’s been tested in the field, driven thousands of miles with zero signal, and validated by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Learn more about TERN.