Senior Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration (R5200)

The role

You will write new autonomy software for unmanned platforms and integrate it onto real hardware. You will own the work from simulation through hardware tests to live test exercises, and support field tests and missions.

What you will do

• Develop and integrate autonomy software onto unmanned platforms (air, maritime, space, or effects/expendables)
• Work with the Autonomy Capabilities and Perception teams and external partners to deliver mission-critical functionality
• Own the build, configuration, and validation of mission-ready systems
• Travel to test sites and support live mission operations, including safety checks and troubleshooting
• Diagnose and resolve integration issues across autonomy stacks, payload computers, and embedded systems
• Capture mission and test data, reproduce issues in simulation, and drive fixes into the next build
• Build tools and processes to improve integration timelines and reliability
• Implement and validate compliance with C2 standards (e.g., A-GRA, UCI, OMS) and coordinate with C2 providers

Required qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar, or equivalent practical experience
• Minimum 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor's; or 4 years with a Master's; or 2 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience
• Proficiency in C++, with experience developing or integrating real-time or latency-sensitive systems
• Proficiency in Linux-based development, embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics
• Familiarity with middleware, pub-sub, or IPC frameworks (e.g., DDS, ActiveMQ)
• Hands-on experience supporting demos, exercises, or field/mission tests for unmanned or autonomous systems
• Experience with autonomy simulation environments for testing and validation
• Strong problem-solving skills across the full stack
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance

Nice to have

• Direct experience supporting uncrewed systems or similar field test campaigns
• Proficiency in Python for scripting, automation, and analysis
• Familiarity with autonomy stacks, motion planning, or vehicle-control integration
• Vehicle electronics bring-up, payload computer integration, or hardware-in-the-loop debugging
• Experience with container orchestration (e.g., k3s, k3d, Docker) on embedded compute
• Familiarity with platform control or autopilot stacks (e.g., PX4, ArduPilot)
• Developing automation tools for system testing, logging, and data parsing
• Build-system experience (e.g., Conan, CMake) and CI/CD familiarity
• Comfortable interfacing with DoD stakeholders during field events or technical reviews
• Experience with C2 standards such as A-GRA, UCI, or OMS

Benefits

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

Before you apply

• Must be able to obtain a SECRET clearance
• Offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check
• 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.