Autonomy Integration Engineer (R5245)

The role

This engineer integrates autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft and prepares those systems for flight. The work includes on-site flight test support and debugging across hardware and software.

What you will do

• Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems, ensuring seamless operation across onboard compute, sensors and control interfaces
• Own the build, configuration and validation process for flight-ready systems; coordinate hardware/software compatibility and mission readiness
• Travel to test sites and support live flight operations, including safety checks, system bring-up and troubleshooting
• Diagnose and resolve integration issues across autonomy software stacks and embedded systems in lab and field environments
• Manage data collection during missions and post-test analysis, working with autonomy engineers to refine behaviors
• Work closely with autonomy, GNC, systems and test teams to deliver and validate mission-critical functionality
• Build tools and processes to improve integration timelines, flight test reliability and team efficiency
• Assist with documentation and system-level validation required for certification, airworthiness and compliance in defense-relevant environments

Required qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience
• Typically a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 5 years and a Master's degree; or 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Python, and familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS)
• Proficiency in Linux-based development and experience with embedded systems, shell scripting and system diagnostics
• Knowledge of sensor integration, sensor fusion and middleware frameworks (e.g., ROS, DDS)
• Hands-on experience supporting flight demos or live exercises
• Experience with simulation tools and environments for testing and validation
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment

Nice to have

• Direct experience supporting unmanned aerial systems or similar flight test campaigns
• Familiarity with autonomy stacks, flight control systems or GNC pipelines
• Competence in sensor integration, electronics debugging or avionics bring-up
• Proficiency in developing automation tools for system testing, logging and data parsing
• Comfortable interfacing with DoD stakeholders during field events or technical reviews
• Experience with UCI and OMS Standards

Benefits

• Comprehensive total rewards package aligned to your country office location; full details available from your talent acquisition partner

Before you apply

• Documentation and validation support is required for certification, airworthiness and compliance in defense-relevant environments

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.