Senior Staff Engineer, Autonomy Behaviors (R5363)

The role

This role designs and builds tactical autonomy algorithms and high-performance software for unmanned aircraft. The work covers behavior architectures, multi-agent coordination, and integration and field testing on real platforms.

What you will do

• Design tactical autonomy algorithms for unmanned aircraft across air, land and sea domains
• Develop high-performance software for planning, decision-making and behavior execution
• Implement and test behavior architectures for multi-agent coordination and target engagement
• Blend rule-based systems with learning-based methods such as reinforcement learning
• Work with perception, planning, simulation, hardware and flight test teams to integrate autonomy
• Deploy autonomy capabilities to real platforms and take part in field tests and flight demos
• Analyze mission logs and performance data to diagnose failures and optimize behavior models
• Research and prototype new algorithms and contribute to the autonomy roadmap
• Adapt autonomy solutions to defense program needs, compliance requirements and operational feedback

Required qualifications

• BS or MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a similar degree, or equivalent practical experience
• Minimum 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; 9 years with a Master's; or 7 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience
• Proficiency in C++ and Python
• Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS)
• Significant background in motion planning, behavior modeling, decision-making or autonomous system design
• Significant experience with unmanned system technologies and algorithms, specifically in the air domain
• Experience with simulation tools and environments such as AFSIM or NGTS
• Strong problem-solving and system performance optimization skills
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills in a multidisciplinary environment
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance

Nice to have

• Experience applying ML/RL techniques in autonomy pipelines
• Background in collaborative behaviors, swarm robotics or distributed decision-making
• Familiarity with tactical behaviors for unmanned systems in DoD or government programs
• Work on behaviors applicable across air, ground and maritime vehicles
• Hands-on experience supporting flight demos or live exercises
• Experience with UCI and OMS Standards

Benefits

• Full-time regular employees: bonus
• Full-time regular employees: benefits
• Full-time regular employees: equity
• Temporary employees: temporary benefits package, applicable after 60 days of employment

Before you apply

• Offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check
• A SECRET clearance must be obtainable
• Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits
• Pay depends on skill set, experience level, licenses and certifications, and work location

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.