Senior Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration – Emerging Domains (R5398)

The role

This senior engineer will lead the technical delivery of autonomy capabilities for small launched platforms that run in multi-agent fleets. The role covers new programs, platform integration, fleet operations and operational deployment for defense customers.

What you will do

• Define the technical strategy for establishing autonomy on new platforms and mission areas
• Lead technical direction across Emerging Domains, including architecture and transition from R&D to operational programs
• Guide development and deployment of autonomy across space, maritime, contested logistics and emerging platforms
• Build technical partnerships with platform organizations and influence platform architecture
• Lead architecture reviews, engineering standards and ICDs across multiple organizations
• Guide release strategy, mission validation and operational readiness
• Provide senior technical leadership during on-site tests, demonstrations and exercises
• Lead resolution of complex autonomy integration problems across software, hardware and embedded systems
• Define technical strategy for command-and-control interoperability and open-systems standards
• Help define the technical hiring bar and mentor senior engineers

Required qualifications

• BS/MS in a relevant engineering discipline or equivalent practical experience
• Typically 10+ years of relevant experience
• Expert-level C++ and Linux systems development experience
• Demonstrated experience defining technical strategy across multiple programs or engineering organizations
• Proven track record solving highly complex systems integration challenges in ambiguous environments
• Experience mentoring senior engineers and influencing engineering direction without formal authority
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance

Nice to have

• Experience leading first-of-kind autonomy or advanced R&D efforts
• Experience across multiple autonomy domains (air, maritime, space, ground or robotics)
• Experience transitioning prototypes into operational systems
• Experience with government R&D programs and defense customers
• Experience shaping engineering practices across an organization
• Experience with UCI, OMS, STANAG 4586 or other defense interoperability standards

Benefits

• Bonus
• Equity (full-time regular employees)
• Benefits package (full-time regular employees; temporary employees after 60 days)

Before you apply

• All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check
• Ability to obtain a SECRET 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, including Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation technologies. Its technology supports operations with offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.