← All roles

Senior Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration – Expeditionary (R5208)

Shield AI· Hivemind Solutions Division – Flight System Integration
Apply on company site
Hybrid (Multiple US locations)$163.2k - $244.8kFull Time EmployeePosted 3mo ago

About the role

Senior engineer leading development and integration of autonomy software for expeditionary platforms (V-BAT and X-BAT), delivering mission-ready autonomy capabilities from software-in-the-loop to live flight testing, with technical leadership and cross-team collaboration.

Responsibilities

  • Develop & Field Autonomy – Develop and integrate autonomy software for V-BAT and X-BAT, including mission behaviors, platform-specific control, payload and sensor integration (e.g., ViDAR, EO/IR), multi-agent coordination, contingencies, and executive autonomy. Own major features from software-in-the-loop through live flight testing.
  • Aircraft Team Partnership – Collaborate closely with the Aircraft team to integrate autonomy capabilities, validate platform interfaces, coordinate hardware/software compatibility, and support release readiness.
  • Collaboration Across Teams & Partners – Partner with the Autonomy Capabilities, Perception, GCS, Strategic Systems (ACP), feature crews, and customer stakeholders to deliver integrated mission capabilities.
  • Technical Leadership – Own significant features or subsystems, drive technical execution, mentor teammates, and contribute to design reviews and integration planning.
  • Pre-deployment Preparation – Build, configure, validate, and prepare mission-ready systems while ensuring software, hardware, and operator workflows are ready for deployment.
  • On-site Test & Mission Support – Support flight tests, customer demonstrations, operator training, and deployment events through system bring-up, troubleshooting, and mission execution.
  • Hardware/Software Debugging – Diagnose integration issues across autonomy software, payload computers, embedded systems, and platform interfaces using simulation and operational testing.
  • Mission Data & Continuous Improvement – Analyze mission data, drive root-cause analysis, and build tools and processes that improve integration efficiency and mission reliability.
  • C2 Interoperability & Standards – Implement and validate interfaces with GCS and command-and-control systems while supporting compliance with STANAG 4586, UCI, and OMS.
  • Travel Requirement – Travel around 10–20% of the year to different office locations, customer sites, operator training events, flight tests, and integration exercises.

Qualifications

  • BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 5+ years of relevant experience (or equivalent advanced degree experience).
  • Strong C++ development experience in real-time or embedded systems.
  • Experience with Linux-based development and embedded systems.
  • Experience integrating complex software systems and troubleshooting across hardware/software boundaries.
  • Experience supporting system integration, testing, or field events.
  • Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Skills

Required:C++

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.

AerospaceAutonomyDefenseliquid-ai-recruiting-targetsetter-30setter-30-2026-q1
Company profileWebsite

More open roles at Shield AI