Staff Autonomy Integration Engineer

The role

You will integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems, prepare systems for flight, and support flight tests on site. The role involves troubleshooting in lab and field environments and working closely with autonomy, GNC, systems and test teams.

What you will do

• Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems
• Own the build, configuration and validation of flight-ready systems
• Travel to test sites and support live flight operations
• Diagnose and resolve integration issues across autonomy software and embedded systems
• Manage flight data capture during missions and analyze it after tests
• Work with autonomy, GNC, systems and test teams
• Build tools and processes to improve integration and test reliability
• Assist with documentation and validation for certification and compliance

Required qualifications

• BS or MS in Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or similar, or equivalent practical experience
• Typically 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor's; or 5 years with a Master's; or 4 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 such as AFSIM or NGTS
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills

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 testing, logging and data parsing
• Comfortable interfacing with government stakeholders during field events or technical reviews
• Experience with UCI and OMS Standards

Benefits

• Bonus, benefits and equity for regular employee positions in the U.S.
• Temporary benefits package, applicable after 60 days of employment, for temporary U.S. 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.
• Visa assistance and relocation assistance for roles outside the U.S.
• International benefits and equity for roles outside the U.S.

Before you apply

• Offers are contingent on a cleared background check and possible reference check
• Interns, military fellows and part-time roles are not eligible for bonus, benefits or equity
• Salary depends on skill set, experience, licenses and certifications, and work location

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.