Staff Software Engineer, Software Integration & Test

The role

Lead the design and integration of distributed systems, simulation tools and third-party hardware and software. Architect high-performance C++ and Python systems across cross-platform environments, and mentor engineers on shared tooling.

What you will do

• Architect and implement high-performance C++ and Python systems across cross-platform environments.
• Lead the design and integration of distributed systems, simulation tools, and third-party hardware and software.
• Define and enforce technical direction, design patterns and integration practices across projects.
• Guide teams in building messaging and API layers (e.g., gRPC, REST, ZeroMQ).
• Own the evolution and support of CI/CD pipelines using GitLab CI, Docker, Conan and CMake.
• Lead debugging and optimization of real-time and multi-threaded systems.
• Drive end-to-end integration efforts, including planning, implementation and verification.
• Mentor other engineers and contribute to shared tooling and process improvements.
• Evaluate and incorporate new technologies that improve system performance, stability and developer efficiency.

Required qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 5 years and a Master's degree; or 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
• Advanced experience designing and maintaining large C++ systems, fluent in C++14/17/20.
• Comfort navigating legacy C++98/03 codebases.
• Proficiency in Linux/Unix environments, including system-level development and debugging tools.
• Strong systems integration background with distributed systems, real-time processing and hardware/software interfaces.
• Significant experience with CI/CD systems, containerization (e.g., Docker) and build tooling (e.g., CMake, Conan).
• Proficiency in Python and familiarity with other scripting and automation tools.
• Deep knowledge of Linux environments.
• Demonstrated success leading efforts involving 10+ contributors, including technical planning and mentorship.
• Strong understanding of networking concepts and communication protocols.
• All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check.

Nice to have

• Real-time or distributed simulation experience (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS, or similar).
• Familiarity with message-passing infrastructure and web-service technologies like gRPC, REST APIs and message queues.
• Familiarity with open standards like UCI and OMS, and data buses and interface protocols common in avionics and aircraft systems.
• Experience integrating simulation with autonomy frameworks or real-time operators.
• Experience developing and integrating with modeling or analysis pipelines.
• Windows experience.

Benefits

• Bonus, benefits and equity for regular employee positions.
• Temporary benefits package, applicable after 60 days of employment, for temporary positions.
• International premium, hardship differential and cost of living differential for roles outside the U.S.
• Living quarters allowance and foreign service transfer allowance for roles outside the U.S.
• International benefits, visa assistance and relocation assistance for roles outside the U.S.

Before you apply

• Offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check.
• Interns, military fellows and part-time roles are not eligible for bonus, benefits or equity.

About the company

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