Senior Software Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities – Space (R5338)

The role

You will build and own autonomy behaviors for the space portfolio, including satellites and missile defense applications. Work spans distributed optimization, automated tasking, track fusion, RPO operations and space vehicle motion planning. You will deploy capabilities to real space vehicles and integrate them with cross-functional teams.

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 space vehicles and interceptors
• Pioneer topics in low-SWaP optimal control, tactical behavior management and information-aware planning
• Develop well-tested, high-performance software modules ready for mid-to-high TRL insertions
• Collaborate with perception, planning, simulation, hardware and flight test teams on integration
• Deploy autonomy capabilities to real space vehicles and analyze mission logs to verify performance
• Contribute to autonomy roadmaps by prototyping new algorithms and identifying capability gaps

Required qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or similar, or equivalent practical experience
• Typically a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 4 years with a Master's degree; or 2 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience
• Proficiency in C++ and Python
• 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 algorithms, ideally in the space domain
• Experience with simulation tools such as AFSIM, NGTS or similar
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills in a 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, optimization and applied ML/RL
• Background in collaborative behaviors and swarm robotics
• Familiarity with DoD or government programs
• Hands-on experience supporting integration events, customer demos and/or live exercises

Benefits

• Bonus
• Equity (full-time regular employees)
• Benefits package (full-time regular employees)
• Temporary benefits package (temporary employees, 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
• 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.