Data Annotator / Geospatial Annotation Specialist

<div class="content-intro"><div><strong>Aechelon Technology, a Shield AI company, is a leading producer of 3D simulator content, including Geospecific visual/sensor databases and realistic 3D models. We seek people who share our passion for real-time computer graphics and commitment to our mission of helping make our Nation’s pilots safer. We will give you a chance to work with some of the most talented people in the graphics industry. </strong></div> <div> </div></div><p>The Data Annotator / Geospatial Annotation Specialist plays a critical role in the creation of high-quality training datasets used to develop and refine Aechelon’s machine learning and computer vision models. This role supports both the Advanced Model Development Group and the Applied Real-Time Vision Group, ensuring datasets for object detection, segmentation, and classification are accurate, consistent, and production-ready.<br><br>The Specialist performs detailed vector annotation, image segmentation, and dataset preparation while adhering to strict quality standards. Because model performance is highly dependent on high-quality annotation, this role requires exceptional attention to detail and a strong understanding of geospatial imagery.<br><br>In addition to dataset creation, the Specialist will learn core machine learning concepts and gain experience operating inference tools and models within the DAML pipeline, becoming a direct contributor to model evaluation and workflow improvements.</p> <hr> <h3>Key Responsibilities</h3> <ul> <li>Create precise vector annotations and segmentation masks for training computer vision and object detection models.</li> <li>Perform detailed image segmentation, manually labeling features across large and varied imagery datasets.</li> <li>Follow established annotation guidelines and maintain consistency across global AOIs.</li> <li>Validate and refine automated detection outputs; correct errors or incomplete detections.</li> <li>Work with ML team to understand annotation needs, edge cases, and quality thresholds.</li> <li>Learn how to operate model inference tools and assist in evaluating model performance.</li> <li>Provide feedback on false positives/negatives, detection weaknesses, and annotation ambiguities.</li> <li>Maintain structured documentation of annotation processes, datasets, feature definitions, and QA results.</li> <li>Support improvements to dataset pipelines and annotation workflows through iterative refinement and testing.</li> <li>Assist multiple DAML groups as needed, depending on dataset demands and model development cycles.</li> </ul> <h3>Required Qualifications</h3> <ul> <li>Background in GIS, Remote Sensing, Image Analysis, Digital Art, Photography, or related field (degree preferred but not required with strong experience).</li> <li>Prior experience with image annotation, data labeling, GIS feature extraction, or segmentation workflows.</li> <li>Ability to visually identify subtle features in imagery with extreme precision.</li> <li>Strong analytical, organizational, and documentation skills.</li> <li>Ability to work with large datasets for extended periods while maintaining accuracy and focus.</li> </ul> <h3>Required Skills and Tools</h3> <ul> <li>Adobe Photoshop (Advanced): Expertise in mask creation, polygon tracing, color differentiation, clean-up workflows, and segmentation editing.</li> <li>GIS Tools (Intermediate+): Ability to work in QGIS, ERDAS Imagine, or Global Mapper for spatial visualization and annotation support.</li> <li>Geospatial Data Handling: Ability to work with shapefiles, GeoPackages, raster datasets, and o