For these academic year opportunities, please apply at https://e4e.ucsd.edu/join and specify the opportunity you are interested in. Our next round of applications will be processed at the start of the academic quarter. Keep in mind that projects do recruit outside of these opportunities as well.

Acoustic Species ID - ML

On the Acoustic Species Identification team we aim to aid our San Diego Zoo collaborators in breaking into the passive acoustic monitoring field. As a preliminary deployment, our collaborators collected over four terabytes of audio recordings from the Madre de Dios region of the Peruvian Amazon. We are working to combine the powers of fields such as machine learning, digital signal processing, computer science, biology, and ecology to parse through and extract statistically significant indicators of ecological health from the world’s natural soundscapes that are begging to be heard.

Required Skills

  • Python (Matplotlib, Scipy, Numpy)

Desired Skills

  • Pytorch, Tensorflow

  • Linux

  • DSP

  • Git

  • Research Skills

FishSense - Computer Vision/Machine Learning Engineer

FishSense is aiming to build fish detection and volume estimation algorithms using RGBD data. A CV/ML engineer would work with training detection models, testing said models, and connecting the data science work with the Scripps scientific divers who will be primarily operating the devices.

Required Skills

  • Python programming

  • Github

  • SSH

  • Basic Machine Learning Concepts

Desired Skills

  • PyTorch

  • TensorFlow

  • Object Detection Project experience

  • Familiarity with advanced models, especially FasterRCNN/YOLO

FishSense - Rust Developer

FishSense is creating an application in Rust to support fast and efficient data processing from the FishSense Lite field deployment. Much of this work will be porting existing Python code into extensible modules, creating unit tests, and finding ways to use Rust to interface with GPU libraries (CUDA) and computer vision/machine learning frameworks.

Required Skills

  • Rust programming

  • Python programming

  • Github

Desired Skills

  • Strong linear algebra background

Hardware Team - Electrical Designer

Engineers for Exploration develops a number of systems to support scientists in conducting scientific studies. These systems often contain experimental technologies, but need to survive in harsh austere environments such as in jungles, ocean depths, or the desert, as well as for long periods of time. We are looking for a team of students to help with developing and building the electrical components for several of these systems. This team will be supporting every project that involves hardware, which enables students to get a broad range of experience with various types of design spaces. We would be looking for students to commit at least 4 hours a week.

Required Skills

  • Altium Designer

  • Electrical design, analysis, and prototyping

  • Technical documentation

Desired Skills

  • Rapid prototyping and design

  • Experience with soldering

Hardware Team - Mechanical Designer

Engineers for Exploration develops a number of systems to support scientists in conducting scientific studies. These systems often contain experimental technologies, but need to survive in harsh austere environments such as in jungles, ocean depths, or the desert. We are looking for a team of students to help with developing and building the mechanical components for several of these systems. This team will be supporting every project that involves hardware, which enables students to get a broad range of experience with various types of design spaces. We would be looking for students to commit at least 4 hours a week.

Required Skills

  • SolidWorks

  • Mechanical design, analysis, and prototyping

  • Technical documentation

Desired Skills

  • Rapid prototyping and design

  • Experience with building hardened systems

Mangrove Monitoring - ML

The Mangrove Monitoring ML team develops state of the art algorithms for classifying mangrove imagery using high-resolution drone and satellite imagery. We are looking for experienced students to help in the further improvement of our current algorithms and for the development of new algorithms with a focus on publications.

Required Skills

  • Computer Vision/Deep Learning Knowledge

  • Data Science Fundamentals

  • Experience with CNN/Unet Architectures

  • Experience with Data Analysis Libraries (pandas, numpy, etc).

Desired Skills

  • Experience with Tensorflow/Pytorch

  • Experience with GIS/Remote Sensing workflows

Mangrove Monitoring - Software Development

The Mangrove Monitoring Image Classification Tool team develops a tool that lets conservation scientists access and use our ML algorithms without prior knowledge to classify mangrove imagery using a web-based tool. We are looking for a student to help contribute to the testing, development, and design of our current Image Classification Tool with additional features and performance updates.

Required Skills

  • General coding experience & knowledge of good software development practices

  • Basic knowledge of frontend or backend or cloud

  • Git/GitHub

Desired Skills

  • Experience with React/TypeScript

  • Experience with RESTful APIs (Express, Node)

  • Experience with Docker

  • UI/UX design experience

  • Experience with AWS

  • Experience with Python or Flask

  • Have worked with NoSQL databases (MongoDB)

  • Experience with any testing frameworks

Radio Telemetry Tracker - User Interface Developer

The Radio Telemetry Tracker project aims to develop an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) that displays location estimates of transmitters and animals, provides status updates from field devices, and enables users to control these devices and access previous deployments. We are seeking enthusiastic students interested in designing and developing interfaces that are both functional and visually appealing.

Required Skills

  • Python

  • HTML/CSS/JavaScript

  • Git/GitHub

Desired Skills

  • Experience with Flask

  • UI/UX design experience

  • Experience with React

  • Experience with GIS-based mapping libraries/tools (Leaflet, Folium, QGIS, etc.)

Radio Telemetry Tracker - Embedded Systems Engineer

The Radio Telemetry Tracker project aims to provide system prototypes to collaborators for field testing. We are seeking students to develop reliable control systems for our field devices. This role involves selecting appropriate components, assembling the devices, and creating software that enables wireless communication between the system’s peripheral devices and the user interface.

Required Skills

  • Basic communication interfaces (I2C, Serial, GPIO, etc.)

  • Python, C++, or Rust programming

  • Experience with microcontrollers/microprocessors (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, etc.)

Desired Skills

  • Experience with IoT, particularly long-range communication

  • Experience with solar panels and battery management

Radio Telemetry Tracker - Mechanical Engineer

To prepare for a field test of our system, the Radio Telemetry Tracker team needs to develop durable mounts and enclosures for field devices that will be deployed on drones and towers for extended periods. We are seeking students to help design and construct these mounts and enclosures.

Required Skills

  • CAD Design + Drafting

  • SolidWorks or similar CAD software

  • 3D Printing

Desired Skills

  • Designing with IP and IP protection in mind

  • Experience with hand tools

Radio Telemetry Tracker - Digital Signal Processing Researcher

The Radio Telemetry Tracker team is seeking students to help research and develop digital signal processing and location estimation algorithms. This role focuses on the core research aspects of the project. We are looking for students to design methods for processing raw data from software-defined radios (SDR) and converting it into accurate transmitter location estimates.

Required Skills

  • Reading research papers

  • Basic DSP knowledge (signal basics, modulation/demodulation, frequency domain analysis, etc.)

  • MATLAB, Python, C++, or Rust programming

Desired Skills

  • Writing research papers

  • Antenna design

  • Tangible experience with SDRs (USRP, HackRF, Airspy)