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Senior Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration (R5200)

Shield AI· Hivemind Solutions Division – Flight System Integration
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Hybrid (Washington, D.C. / San Diego, CA / Boston, MA)$163.2k - $244.8kFull Time EmployeePosted 4mo ago

About the role

Senior software engineer role focused on integrating autonomy software for unmanned platforms, end-to-end ownership from software-in-the-loop to live field tests, collaborating with autonomy, perception, and external platform teams.

Responsibilities

  • Develop & Field Autonomy — Develop & integrate autonomy software solutions onto unmanned platforms (air, maritime, space, or effects/expendables), including payload computer bring-up, container-based deployment (e.g., k3s/k3d), and configuration across onboard compute, sensors, and command-and-control interfaces.
  • Collaboration Across Teams — Work closely with the Autonomy Capabilities team (motion planning, tactics), the Perception team, feature crews, and external partners (platform integrators, vehicle/autopilot control vendors, C2 providers) to deliver and validate mission-critical functionality on time.
  • Pre-deployment Preparation — Own the build, configuration, and validation process for mission-ready systems; coordinate hardware/software compatibility, mission readiness, and release cadence with capability and feature teams.
  • On-site Test & Mission Support — Travel to test sites and support live mission operations (flight tests, range exercises, on-water trials, integration events), including safety checks, system bring-up, and troubleshooting under time-critical constraints.
  • Hardware/Software Debugging — Diagnose and resolve integration issues across complex autonomy stacks, payload computers, and embedded systems in lab and field environments — including memory, CPU, and timing profiling under operationally-representative loads.
  • Mission Data & Debrief Support — Capture mission and test data, reproduce issues in simulation, and partner with autonomy capability owners to drive fixes back into the next build.
  • Continuous Improvement — Build tools and processes to improve integration timelines, test/mission reliability, and team efficiency across deployment cycles.
  • C2 Interoperability & Standards — Implement and validate compliance with command-and-control standards (e.g., A-GRA, UCI, OMS) and coordinate with C2 providers on interface contracts and integration milestones.

Qualifications

  • BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience
  • Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 4 years and a Master’s degree; or 2 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
  • Proficiency in C++, with experience developing or integrating real-time or latency-sensitive systems.
  • Proficiency in Linux-based development and experience working with embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics.
  • Familiarity with middleware, pub-sub, or IPC frameworks used in autonomy or robotics systems (e.g., DDS, ActiveMQ).
  • Hands-on experience supporting demos, exercises, or field/mission tests for unmanned or autonomous systems.
  • Experience with autonomy simulation environments for testing and validation.
  • Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance across the full stack.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
  • Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Skills

Required:C++Linux-based developmentMiddleware / IPC frameworksAutonomy simulation environmentsField/test experience with unmanned systems
Nice to have:PythonContainer orchestration (k3s/k3d/Docker)DoD interface standards (A-GRA, UCI, OMS)

Benefits

  • Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
  • Temporary employee offer package: Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
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.

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