Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration (R5395)

The role

You will build autonomy software for unmanned platforms and integrate it onto real hardware, then test it through software, hardware and live test exercises. At this level you also lead a small feature crew or sub-program and mentor mid-level engineers.

What you will do

• Develop and integrate autonomy software onto unmanned platforms, including payload computer bring-up and container-based deployment
• Lead a small feature crew or sub-program through design, development and delivery
• Act as the primary technical interface with the Autonomy Capabilities, Perception and external partner teams
• Mentor mid-level engineers and formally onboard senior new hires
• Drive design reviews, interface control documents and post-mortems for your area
• Own the build, configuration and validation of mission-ready systems
• Travel to test sites and support live mission operations and troubleshooting
• Diagnose and resolve integration issues across autonomy stacks and embedded systems
• Own interface contracts with C2 providers and drive standards compliance
• Interview candidates and help define the skills bar for open roles

Required qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or similar, or equivalent practical experience
• Typically 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree, or 5 years with a Master's, or 4 years with a PhD, or equivalent work experience
• Proficiency in C++, including real-time or latency-sensitive systems
• Proficiency in Linux-based development, embedded systems, shell scripting and system diagnostics
• Familiarity with middleware, pub-sub or IPC frameworks such as DDS or message buses
• Hands-on experience supporting demos, exercises or field tests for unmanned or autonomous systems
• Experience with autonomy simulation environments for testing and validation
• Experience leading a small technical team or owning a capability from design through field delivery
• Track record of mentoring engineers
• Experience authoring or negotiating interface contracts or ICDs
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills across the full stack
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills

Nice to have

• Direct experience supporting unmanned systems or similar field test campaigns
• Proficiency in Python for scripting, automation and analysis
• Experience leading a feature crew or sub-program in an unmanned systems context
• Experience owning customer- or partner-facing technical relationships
• Track record of cross-team improvements in process, rigor, documentation or developer experience
• Familiarity with autonomy stacks, motion planning or vehicle-control integration
• Vehicle electronics bring-up, payload computer integration or hardware-in-the-loop debugging
• Experience with container orchestration such as k3s, k3d or Docker
• Familiarity with autopilot stacks such as PX4, ArduPilot or vessel autopilots
• Experience with C2 standards such as A-GRA, UCI or OMS

Benefits

• Equity for full-time regular employees
• Bonus for full-time regular employees
• Benefits package for full-time regular employees
• Temporary benefits package for temporary employees, applicable after 60 days of employment

Before you apply

• An offer is contingent on a cleared background check and possible reference check
• The role requires the ability to obtain a SECRET clearance
• Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits

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.