Engineer II, Software - Autonomy Capabilities - New Grad - 6131

The role

You will build and test C++ features for mission planning, behavior and coordination in autonomous systems, using established designs. You will also analyze simulation and log results and work with adjacent teams on assigned interfaces.

What you will do

• Implement C++ changes to planning, mission behavior, coordination or contingency capabilities using established designs.
• Build unit, integration and simulation tests and investigate failures.
• Analyze logs and scenario results to find behavioral, configuration or interface issues and verify fixes.
• Help integrate reusable capabilities with platform and mission software, perception inputs and operator interfaces.
• Improve examples, documentation, configuration and developer tools for capabilities.
• Coordinate with autonomy, perception, integration, simulation and GCS/C2 teammates on assigned interfaces.
• Communicate progress, risks, test evidence and open questions in reviews and debriefs.

Required qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related field, graduating between December 2026 and August 2027.
• Typically 2+ years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree, or equivalent work experience; relevant graduate work or substantial project experience may be considered.
• Working proficiency in C++ or Python and ability to contribute in the other language with support.
• Experience with Linux development, Git, debugging and automated software tests.
• Applied experience through work, research or substantial projects in robotics, planning, controls, AI, simulation or autonomy software.
• Ability to complete a bounded feature with tests and communicate where guidance or design decisions are needed.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Nice to have

• Experience with motion planning, state machines, multi-agent coordination, decision-making or optimization.
• Experience with robotics middleware, simulation frameworks, CI or distributed systems.
• Familiarity with integrating algorithms into production software and evaluating behavior in representative scenarios.

Benefits

• Bonus
• Benefits
• Equity (full-time regular employees)
• Temporary benefits package (temporary employees, after 60 days of employment)

Before you apply

• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance is required.
• All 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.