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

The role

You will help build and connect autonomy software for new platforms in space, maritime and contested logistics. The work covers integration, testing in software, hardware and vehicle setups, and live exercises.

What you will do

• Help establish autonomy on new platforms and mission areas
• Develop and integrate autonomy software onto emerging-domain platforms
• Partner with platform teams on integration, interfaces and hardware/software compatibility
• Work with the Autonomy Capabilities, Perception, GCS teams, feature crews and customer offices
• Contribute to design reviews, ICDs, integration planning and post-mortems
• Build, configure, validate and prepare mission-ready systems
• Support flight tests, maritime trials, ground testing and customer demonstrations
• Diagnose and resolve hardware and software integration issues
• Capture mission data, reproduce issues in simulation and improve future releases
• Implement and validate interfaces with command-and-control systems

Required qualifications

• BS/MS in a relevant engineering discipline or equivalent practical experience
• Typically 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

Nice to have

• Experience with autonomous aircraft, maritime systems, spacecraft or robotics
• Experience with autonomy software, autopilot integration or robotics frameworks
• Python, Docker or CI/CD experience
• Experience in early-stage R&D or rapid prototyping environments
• Experience supporting DoD customers or field demonstrations

Benefits

• Bonus
• Equity
• Benefits for full-time regular employees
• Temporary benefits package after 60 days for temporary employees
• Benefits not available to military fellows and part-time employees

Before you apply

• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance is required
• Offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check
• Travel about 10 to 20 percent of the year is typical for this team

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.