Senior Software Engineer, Autonomy Behaviors (R4588)
Shield AI· Hivemind Solutions Division – Flight System Integration
Boston/WA-DC/San Diego$163.2k - $244.8kFull Time EmployeePosted 5mo ago
About the role
Senior software engineer role focused on developing autonomy behaviors for unmanned platforms, integrating multi-agent coordination, and advancing mission-driven autonomy across air, land, sea, and space domains within Shield AI’s Autonomy Capabilities Team.
Responsibilities
- Develop tactical autonomy software to enable unmanned platforms to perform complex missions across air, land, sea, and space domains with limited human supervision
- Implement and test behaviors supporting multi-agent coordination, target engagement, reconnaissance, and survivability in contested scenarios
- Contribute across the software development lifecycle, including requirements, design, implementation, verification, and validation, following established engineering best practices
- Collaborate with senior engineers to design and build scalable, maintainable software components that integrate with broader system architecture (e.g., sensor processing, state estimation, communications, and actuation)
- Support reuse and extensibility of autonomy behaviors by contributing to shared frameworks and codebases
- Work with internal product and program teams to deliver capabilities to vehicle platforms, helping ensure successful integration and iteration over time
- Collaborate with cross-functional and external teams to align on interfaces and system requirements
- Apply strong software engineering fundamentals to solve complex technical problems, while continuing to grow domain expertise in autonomy and robotics systems
- Travel up to 20% to support integration, testing, and collaboration with end-users and partner teams
Qualifications
- BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
- Proficient in production-level C++ software development
- 5+ years' experience in one or more of: software sub-system scheduling and integration, behavior planning, task and resource allocation, motion planning, optimization, or flight controls
- Experience with collaborative software development tools for version control, issue tracking, code reviews, release management
- Ability to contribute to the design, development, and integration of complex software systems as part of a multi-disciplinary team
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to learn new technologies in a fast-paced environment
- Willingness to collaborate closely with teammates and support team objectives
- Interest in growing technical skills and, over time, providing guidance to more junior engineers
- Desire to work in a highly collaborative, fast paced, and mission-driven environment
- Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
Skills
Required:C++ software developmentSoftware integrationBehavior planning / autonomy
Benefits
- Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
- Temporary employee offer package (applicable after 60 days) + temporary benefits package
Last updated Oct 23, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.
About Shield AI
Autonomy for the world.
Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.
AerospaceAutonomyDefenseliquid-ai-recruiting-targetsetter-30setter-30-2026-q1
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