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

The role

You will develop and integrate autonomy software for the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft and own major features from simulation through live flight testing. You will work closely with the aircraft team and customers, and support flight tests and field deployments.

What you will do

• Develop and integrate autonomy software for V-BAT and X-BAT, including mission behaviors, platform-specific control and multi-agent coordination.
• Own major features from software-in-the-loop through live flight testing.
• Collaborate with the Aircraft team to integrate autonomy and validate platform interfaces.
• Partner with Autonomy Capabilities, Perception, GCS, feature crews and customer stakeholders.
• Provide technical leadership, mentor teammates and contribute to design reviews.
• Build, configure and validate mission-ready systems before deployment.
• Support flight tests, customer demonstrations, operator training and deployment events.
• Diagnose integration issues across autonomy software, payload computers, embedded systems and platform interfaces.
• Analyze mission data and drive root-cause analysis.
• Implement and validate interfaces with GCS and command-and-control systems, supporting STANAG 4586, UCI and OMS.

Required 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.

Nice to have

• Experience with unmanned aircraft or autonomous systems.
• Experience with autonomy software, robotics or vehicle control.
• Experience with payload or sensor integration.
• Python, Docker, CMake/Conan or CI/CD experience.
• Experience with military test events or defense customers.

Benefits

• Bonus.
• Benefits package.
• Equity.
• Temporary employees: temporary benefits package, applicable after 60 days of employment.

Before you apply

• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance is required.
• All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check.
• Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits.
• Salary is influenced by skill set, experience, licences and certifications, and work location.

About the company

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company that builds intelligent systems to protect service members and civilians. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation technologies.