Staff Software Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities – Space (R5368)

The role

You will lead the technical delivery of autonomy capabilities for the space portfolio, including satellites and missile defense applications. You will shape requirements, define technical approaches for the team, and drive execution from development through deployment on real space vehicles.

What you will do

• Use advanced optimization for large-scale distributed decision making, task allocation, and resource scheduling in multi-satellite missions.
• Employ approaches for weapons target assignment and motion planning for fleets of space vehicles and interceptors.
• Advance topics in low-SWaP optimal control, tactical behavior management, and information-aware planning.
• Develop well-tested, high-performance software modules with clear interfaces, ready for mid-to-high TRL insertions.
• Collaborate with perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and flight test teams to integrate autonomy on real platforms.
• Deploy autonomy capabilities to real space vehicles and analyze mission logs to verify performance.
• Contribute to autonomy roadmaps by prototyping new algorithms and identifying tactical capability gaps.
• Lead technical delivery, help shape customer requirements, and define technical approaches for the team.

Required qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience.
• Typically a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 6 years and a Master's degree; or 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python, and familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Significant background in control systems, motion planning, optimization, tactical behaviors, and/or distributed decision-making.
• Significant experience with unmanned system technologies and accompanying algorithms, ideally in the space domain.
• Experience with simulation tools and environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS, or similar) for testing and validation.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance or higher.

Nice to have

• Experience in multiple aerospace domains (air, land, sea, space).
• Experience across classical control through optimization and applied ML/RL.
• Background in collaborative behaviors and swarm robotics.
• Familiarity with domain-relevant DoD or government programs.
• Hands-on experience supporting integration events, customer demos, and/or live exercises.

Benefits

• Bonus.
• Benefits.
• Equity.
• Temporary employees receive a temporary benefits package 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 or higher is required.
• Pay depends on factors such as skill set, experience, licenses and certifications, and work location.
• Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits.

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.