Senior Sensor Engineer

Title: Sr. Sensor Engineer (SafePointe, Weapons Detection)

Location: Fremont, CA, Tucson, AZ, Washington, D.C., Orlando, Florida, or Iselin, NJ, United States

•  Fremont, CA
• Category: Engineering
• Type: Full-time
• Min. Experience: Senior Level
• Salary: $122,573 - $164,000

Job Description:

Position Overview

SoundThinking is seeking a Sr. Sensor Engineer to advance the next generation of SafePointe, our AI-based concealed weapons detection system designed for high-throughput, free-flow screening. SafePointe lanes use two unobtrusive bollards and passive magnetic sensing, complemented by an advanced 3D camera and NVIDIA-powered edge processing to detect metallic firearms while minimizing operational friction.

This is a hands-on role focused on sensor performance-from analog front end (AFE) and DAQ through calibration, gradiometry, and field robustness-while retaining strong embedded/software expectations for building reliable, testable systems.

Essential Responsibilities/Duties

Sensor & Hardware Engineering

• Own end-to-end performance of the magnetic sensing subsystem: signal chain, dynamic range, noise, saturation/clipping avoidance, and environmental robustness
• Define sensor KPIs and verification methods (e.g., sensitivity, false alarm rate, drift, environmental robustness) and drive them through lab/field validation
• Design, characterize, and match coils/sensor assemblies to improve gradiometer/common-mode rejection and repeatability
• Define and execute calibration methods (factory and field), including fixtures, procedures, and acceptance criteria
• Drive sensor-related mechanical requirements (alignment, stability, tolerance stack-ups) in partnership with ME/ID
• Lead lab and field validation: test plans, data collection, root-cause analysis, and performance improvements
• Characterize repeatability and unit-to-unit variation; support process capability improvements in manufacturing

Embedded & Data Tooling (Sensor-Focused)

• Develop/debug embedded software supporting the sensor stack (device drivers, interfaces, timing/synchronization, signal integrity, and data integrity)
• Build internal tools in Python for sensor data capture, analysis, diagnostics, and automated regression testing
• Collaborate with ML/software teams on data quality, labeling workflows, and sensor-driven model improvements

Manufacturing & Deployment Enablement

• Design manufacturing test and QC workflows for sensor assemblies (automated tests, calibration rigs, traceability)
• Document procedures, requirements, and test results for engineering and operations teams
• Occasional travel required

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 3+ years in sensor, signal chain, or embedded systems engineering (product-focused, hands-on)
• Strong fundamentals in low-noise measurement, ADC/DAQ systems, and practical signal processing
• Hands-on experience with analog front ends (AFE), filtering, grounding/shielding, and noise/EMI mitigation
• Proficiency in C/C++ (embedded) and Python (tooling/data/test automation)
• Experience with SPI/I2C, hardware bring-up, and debugging mixed hardware/software issues
• Comfort working directly with electronics boards for bench testing, bring-up, probing, connectorization/rework as needed, and hands-on debugging
• Ability to read schematics/datasheets and translate requirements into measurable specs

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with magnetic sensing, gradiometry, EMI/EMC mitigation, and calibration under real-world interference
• Embedded Linux experience (drivers, system services, data pipelines), NVIDIA edge platforms a plus
• Experience building manufacturing tests and production calibration processes
• Familiarity with Yocto, Docker, and modern CI/test practices
• Experience supporting fielded systems (debugging, instrumentation, reliability improvements)

Technical Stack (Representative)

• Sensors/Embedded: C/C++, Embedded Linux, device drivers, SPI/I2C, data acquisition, calibration tooling
• Data/Tools: Python, test automation, analysis pipelines, logging/telemetry
• Workflow: Git, issue tracking, structured documentation, cross-functional reviews

Travel: 15%

Hybrid Workplace

SoundThinking follows a hybrid schedule for employees who live equal to or less than 50 miles from one of our office locations, which include Fremont, CA, Tucson, AZ, Washington, D.C., Orlando, Florida, or Iselin, NJ. Employees are expected to work onsite for a minimum of 3 days per week, unless the advertised role has a specific on-site requirement. The specific days for in-office are dependent on the office location.

Note: The Company reserves exclusive right in its sole discretion to modify, adjust, delete, add or otherwise change the above at any time.

SoundThinking provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, SoundThinking complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. SoundThinking maintains a drug-free workplace policy.

SoundThinking expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of SoundThinking's employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

The above salary is based on a good faith estimate made at the time of publication and may be modified in the future. The pay offered to a candidate may vary within this range depending on factors such as education, experience, and geographic location.

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