Software Engineer, Edge AI

Valinor is a new type of defense and government tech company focused on solving the problems others don't. Our unique model of centralized go-to-market and decentralized engineering allows us to move with unparalleled efficiency to identify unmet needs, build right-sized solutions, and get products where they matter most - in the hands of users. Unlike others in the space, who focus on the flashy problems, Valinor exists to solve the quiet, unaddressed problems-the small but significant ones that lead to cracks in the country's strength, stability, and security. Backed by General Catalyst, Founders Fund, and Friends & Family Capital, Valinor was founded in 2024 and has established strategic partnerships with Palantir, Anduril, and Helsing. We are building the dream team, and we want you on it. ABOUT THE ROLE Valinor Reflex is building a wearable optics system that runs computer vision models locally. We are looking for an engineer who enjoys making software work within the limits of a physical device. You will help adapt and deploy ML models and build the software around them, working closely with our hardware and embedded engineers. Your work will also include features for the glasses and companion application. WHAT YOU’LL DO - Adapt, evaluate, and deploy computer vision and ML models on constrained hardware. - Measure and improve model accuracy, response time, memory use, and power consumption. - Build Python and C++ software that connects models with cameras, sensors, and device functions. - Prototype and debug alongside hardware engineers, from early experiments to working product features. - Contribute to the glasses and companion application, including user interfaces, connectivity, and device integration. WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR - Hands-on experience building software for physical devices and working within memory, compute, timing, or power constraints. - Practical experience developing, adapting, or deploying an ML model, and the ability to explain how you evaluated its performance. - Strong programming and debugging fundamentals in C++, Python, or a comparable language, with willingness to work in our stack. - Clear ownership of your work and an ability to explain technical decisions, setbacks, and tradeoffs. - Curiosity, a collaborative approach, and interest in contributing across an evolving product. - Experience with embedded Linux, firmware, model optimization, or hardware accelerators is helpful - Relevant experience can come from professional work, research, or substantial personal projects. WHAT VALINOR OFFERS - Competitive salary, equity packages, and benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance - fully covered for employees, 401K, development stipends, among others. - Unlimited PTO and two-week company holiday at the end of every calendar year. - We are a pro-mental health and pro-family company - we actually encourage employees to spend time with themselves and their families. Valinor also provides fertility benefits to those just beginning that journey. - Fun work environment - we like to laugh and take care of each other, but we also deeply respect the mission in front of us. This role requires the candidate be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. Active clearance preferred. Valinor is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The Valinor team is made up of incredibly talented and unique individuals, who together are disrupting industry norms by creating new paths towards the future of defense and government technology. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you are someone passionate about working on problems that have a real-world impact, we'd love to hear from you!