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Staff Safety-Critical Software Engineer (R5788)

Shield AI· Hivemind Enterprise Division – Engineering
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San Diego, CA$200k - $300kFull Time EmployeePosted 2w ago

About the role

Staff Software Engineer to drive design, development, and integration of a real-time Run-Time Assurance (RTA) product for Shield AI's Hivemind autonomous systems and X-BAT aircraft, with a focus on safety-critical C++ software, standards compliance, and certification support.

Responsibilities

  • Drive architecture, development, integration and testing of an extensible, configurable Run-Time Assurance (RTA) module that ensures safe operation of autonomous systems in diverse, adversarial conditions.
  • Work closely with other engineers in Foundations to design and integrate with the low-assurance mission-autonomy software and high-assurance middleware.
  • Specialize, integrate and test the RTA capability on a diverse set of platforms in various conditions to ensure robust fail-safe behavior.
  • Drive principled software development practices across Foundations including but not limited to code analysis, audit trail, principled review processes.
  • Collaborate with the team to generate artifacts that enable certifiability of Foundations software, including but not limited to static & dynamic analysis reports, software documentation, architecture decision records (ADRs), interface control diagrams (ICDs), system models.
  • Mentor and guide Foundations developers on practices of safe software development to enhance software quality and assurance.

Qualifications

  • Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 9 years with a Master’s degree; or 7 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
  • Demonstrated excellence in designing and developing C++ based safety-critical software systems with Real-Time guarantees.
  • Experience working as a mentor to other engineers in a role driving software best practices to enhance software quality.
  • Experience integrating software on real-world physical systems and driving up performance and reliability.
  • Deep expertise in C++ software architecture design patterns and their practical implementation.
  • Strong knowledge of software assurance certifications such as DO-178C and MIL-HDBK-516.
  • Strong Git and Linux development skills, along with modern software development practices (e.g., CI/CD, test-driven development).
  • A track record of technical leadership, with the ability to set and maintain high standards, guide teams through complex technical challenges, and collaborate effectively.

Skills

Required:C++Software architectureSoftware assuranceMentoring / leadershipLinux / Git / CI-CD / TDD

Benefits

  • Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
  • Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location.
  • All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. 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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