Senior Software Engineer, Autonomy Behaviors (R4588)

The role

This role builds tactical autonomy software that lets unmanned platforms fly and run complex missions with limited human supervision. The work covers behaviors for multi-agent coordination, target engagement, reconnaissance and survivability, from requirements through to validation.

What you will do

• Develop tactical autonomy software for unmanned platforms across air, land, sea and space domains
• Implement and test behaviors for multi-agent coordination, target engagement, reconnaissance and survivability in contested scenarios
• Contribute across the software development lifecycle: requirements, design, implementation, verification and validation
• Design and build scalable, maintainable software that integrates with sensor processing, state estimation, communications and actuation
• Contribute to shared frameworks and codebases to support reuse of autonomy behaviors
• Help deliver capabilities to vehicle platforms and support integration and iteration over time
• Align interfaces and system requirements with cross-functional and external teams
• Travel up to 20% for integration, testing and end-user collaboration

Required qualifications

• BS, MS or PhD in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• Proficient in production-level C++ software development
• 5+ years in one or more of: software sub-system scheduling and integration, behavior planning, task and resource allocation, motion planning, optimization, or flight controls
• Experience with collaborative development tools for version control, issue tracking, code reviews and release management
• Ability to contribute to design, development and integration of complex software systems in a multi-disciplinary team
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to learn new technologies in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to collaborate closely with teammates and support team objectives
• Interest in growing technical skills and, over time, guiding more junior engineers
• Desire to work in a highly collaborative, fast-paced, mission-driven environment
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

Nice to have

• Experience working with systems at one or more technology readiness levels, including maturing research concepts toward operational use
• Experience with mission systems integration, including integration events, testing or demonstrations
• Experience in collaborative mission planning, behavior planning or coordinated teaming
• Experience in motion planning across different vehicle types or constraints
• Experience in sensor/target pairing, control strategies or related autonomy functions
• Experience with safety systems such as collision avoidance or geofencing
• Experience with robotic software ecosystems such as ROS, OMPL or optimization tools
• Experience with simulation tools for testing and validation
• Familiarity with navigation and communications systems
• Experience contributing to portions of the product development lifecycle

Benefits

• Full-time regular employees receive bonus, benefits and equity
• Temporary employees receive a temporary benefits package, applicable after 60 days of employment
• Salary compensation is influenced by skill set, experience, licences and certifications, and work location

Before you apply

• All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance 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 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.