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Senior Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration – Emerging Domains (R5423)

Shield AI· Hivemind Solutions Division – Flight System Integration
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Washington, D.C., Boston, MA, San Diego, CA, Dallas, TX$163.2k - $244.8kFull Time EmployeePosted 3mo ago

About the role

Senior Software Engineer role focused on standing up and integrating autonomy capabilities on emerging-domain platforms (space, maritime, contested logistics). Hands-on development across software-in-the-loop to live test, collaborating with platform, autonomy capabilities, perception, and GCS teams to deliver mission-ready autonomy software.

Responsibilities

  • Stand Up New Capabilities – Help establish autonomy on new platforms and mission areas by integrating existing Shield AI capabilities with platform-specific software and developing new autonomy where needed.
  • Develop & Field Autonomy – Develop and integrate autonomy software onto emerging-domain platforms, including platform and autopilot integration, payload and sensor integration, mission behaviors, multi-agent coordination, and validation through software-, hardware-, vehicle-, and live testing.
  • Platform Team Partnerships – Partner closely with platform teams to integrate autonomy capabilities, validate interfaces, coordinate hardware/software compatibility, and support mission readiness.
  • Collaboration Across Teams & Partners – Work with the Autonomy Capabilities, Perception, GCS teams, feature crews, and customer/program offices to deliver integrated autonomy solutions.
  • Design & Documentation – Contribute to design reviews, ICDs, integration planning, and post-mortems while improving engineering rigor across teams.
  • Pre-deployment Preparation – Build, configure, validate, and prepare mission-ready systems while coordinating release readiness with platform and capability teams.
  • On-site Test & Mission Support – Support flight tests, maritime trials, ground testing, customer demonstrations, and operational exercises through system bring-up, troubleshooting, and mission execution.
  • Hardware/Software Debugging – Diagnose and resolve integration issues across autonomy software, payload computers, embedded systems, and platform interfaces.
  • Mission Data & Debrief Support – Capture mission data, reproduce issues in simulation, and partner with capability owners to rapidly improve future releases.
  • Continuous Improvement – Develop tools and engineering processes that improve integration velocity, testing reliability, and mission readiness.
  • C2 Interoperability & Standards – Implement and validate interfaces with command-and-control systems while supporting program-appropriate interoperability standards.
  • Travel Requirement – Members of this team typically 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 a relevant engineering discipline or equivalent practical experience.
  • Typically requires 5+ years of relevant experience.
  • Strong proficiency in C++ and Linux-based development.
  • Experience integrating embedded or real-time software systems.
  • Experience supporting integration, testing, or operational field events.
  • Strong systems-level problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Skills

Required:C++LinuxEmbedded/Real-Time Software
Nice to have:Autonomy/RoboticsPython | Docker | CI/CD

Benefits

  • Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
  • Temporary benefits package after 60 days of employment (for temporary employees)
  • Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits
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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