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Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration (R5208)

Shield AI· Hivemind Solutions Division – Flight System Integration
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Hybrid (Washington, D.C. / San Diego, California / Boston, Massachusetts)$195.2k - $292.8kFull Time EmployeePosted 4mo ago

About the role

Shield AI is hiring a staff software engineer to build and integrate autonomy software for unmanned platforms, leading a small feature crew, collaborating with Autonomy Capabilities and Perception teams, and delivering end-to-end autonomous capabilities from software-in-the-loop to live mission testing.

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 — and lead a small team through the design, development, and delivery of a major capability or sub-program.
  • Technical Leadership — Lead a small feature crew or sub-program; set technical direction, break down work, unblock the team, and report progress to leadership and stakeholders.
  • Collaboration Across Teams — Act as a primary technical interface with the Autonomy Capabilities team (motion planning, tactics), the Perception team, feature crews, and external partners (platform integrators, vehicle/autopilot control vendors, C2 providers); author and negotiate ICDs and interface contracts rather than just consume them
  • Mentorship & Growth — Mentor mid-level engineers on the team; partner with managers on onboarding, leveling, and growth planning. Formally onboard senior new hires.
  • Design & Documentation — Drive design reviews, ICDs, and post-mortems for your area; push the team toward higher rigor and close process gaps that span teams.
  • 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 — Own the interface contracts with C2 providers and drive standards compliance for your area, including implementation and validation against command-and-control standards (e.g., A-GRA, UCI, OMS).
  • Hiring — Interview candidates, help define the skills bar for open roles in your area, and onboard new engineers into your sub-program.
  • Travel Requirement — Members of this team typically travel around 10-20% of the year (to different office locations, customer sites, and integration/test events).

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 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 5 years and a Master’s degree; or 4 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, message buses).
  • Hands-on experience supporting demos, exercises, or field/mission tests for unmanned or autonomous systems.
  • Experience with autonomy simulation environments for testing and validation.
  • Demonstrated experience leading a small technical team or owning a major capability from design through field delivery.
  • Track record of mentoring engineers and growing technical talent.
  • Experience authoring or negotiating interface contracts / ICDs with internal or external stakeholders.
  • 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++LinuxMiddleware / IPC (e.g., DDS)Autonomy simulation environments

Benefits

  • Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
  • 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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