Senior Staff Engineer, Software - Autonomous Aircraft Integration (R4983)

The role

This job is to integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft and prepare those systems for flight. The work includes on-site flight test support, debugging across hardware and software, and collaboration with autonomy, GNC, systems and test teams.

What you will do

• Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems across onboard compute, sensors and control interfaces
• Build, configure and validate flight-ready systems and coordinate hardware and software compatibility
• Travel to test sites and support live flight operations, including safety checks, system bring-up and troubleshooting
• Diagnose and resolve integration issues across autonomy software stacks and embedded systems in lab and field settings
• Manage flight data collection during missions and analyze results with autonomy engineers
• Work with autonomy, GNC, systems and test teams to deliver and validate mission-critical functionality
• Build tools and processes to improve integration timelines, flight test reliability and team efficiency
• Assist with documentation and system-level validation for certification, airworthiness and compliance

Required qualifications

• BS or MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or similar, or equivalent practical experience
• Typically a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; 9 years with a Master's degree; or 7 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience
• Proficiency in C++ and Python
• Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS)
• Proficiency in Linux-based development, embedded systems, shell scripting and system diagnostics
• Knowledge of sensor integration, sensor fusion and middleware frameworks such as ROS or DDS
• Hands-on experience supporting flight demos or live exercises
• Experience with simulation tools and environments such as AFSIM or NGTS
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills in a multidisciplinary environment
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance

Nice to have

• Direct experience supporting unmanned aerial systems or similar flight test campaigns
• Familiarity with autonomy stacks, flight control systems or GNC pipelines
• Competence in sensor integration, electronics debugging or avionics bring-up
• Proficiency in developing automation tools for system testing, logging and data parsing
• Comfortable interfacing with DoD stakeholders during field events or technical reviews
• Experience with UCI and OMS Standards

Benefits

• Full-time regular employees receive a bonus
• Full-time regular employees receive benefits
• Full-time regular employees receive equity
• Temporary employees receive a temporary benefits package, applicable after 60 days of employment

Before you apply

• All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance is required
• 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.