Engineer II, Modelling and Simulation (R5712)

Shield; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is building advanced autonomous systems for defence and civilian applications, with offices worldwide. This Melbourne-based Staff Engineer in Modelling and Simulation will lead the development and operationalisation of real-time and faster-than-real-time simulation environments for Hivemind Mission Autonomy programs in Australia.

You will architect high-performance C++ software, integrate frameworks, and collaborate across software, autonomy, perception, and test teams to deliver

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Extensive professional software engineering and systems integration experience.
• Strong C++ experience with familiarity to legacy standards.
• Professional Python experience.
• Experience delivering reliable software in fast-paced environments.
• Experience leading teams delivering complex projects.
• Hands-on with real-time, distributed simulation systems or HWIL/SWIL.
• Experience with Docker or containerisation technologies.
• Proficiency in Linux development environments.
• Ability to obtain Australian NV1 security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture and evolution of distributed, real-time simulation systems across virtual, constructive, and live environments.
• Architect and implement high-performance C++ software for modelling, simulation, and integration workflows.
• Develop real-time and distributed simulation software for multi-agent and high-fidelity environments.
• Integrate defence frameworks such as AFSIM or NGTS to accelerate delivery.
• Design and deliver containerised simulation deployments using Docker and Kubernetes.
• Provide technical and project leadership to engineering teams of 5+ contributors.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to connect simulation with autonomy algorithms and hardware interfaces.
• Drive CI/CD, test-driven development, software architecture, and tooling.
• Support key customer programs with robust, scalable simulation environments.

Skills

C++ development

Python

Linux

Docker

Real-time simulation

Distributed systems

HWIL/SWIL experience

Team leadership

NGTS/AFSIM familiarity

Education

Tertiary qualification in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mechatronics

Tools

AFSIM

NGTS

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai . Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn , X , Instagram , and YouTube .

Job Description

As a Staff Engineer in Modelling and Simulation, you will lead the development, integration, and operationalisation of simulation capabilities that enable Hivemind Mission Autonomy programs in Australia. You will architect, implement, and maintain high‑performance, real‑time and faster‑than‑real‑time simulation environments used by autonomy, perception, and systems engineering teams to design, test, and demonstrate cutting‑edge uncrewed aircraft mission autonomy.

This role involves significant technical leadership, cross‑functional collaboration, and delivery of complex simulation frameworks that support both customer programs and internal R&D. You will directly contribute to scalable, operationally representative simulation ecosystems that underpin mission‑critical software development.

What you'll do

• Lead the architecture, design, and evolution of distributed, real‑time simulation systems across virtual, constructive, and live environments.
• Architect and implement high‑performance C++ software for modelling, simulation, integration workflows, and system interoperability, including compatibility with legacy standards.
• Develop and optimise real‑time and distributed simulation software supporting multi‑agent scenarios, high‑fidelity environments, and system‑of‑systems simulations.
• Integrate defence simulation frameworks such as AFSIM or NGTS to accelerate delivery and ensure alignment with defence customer expectations.
• Design and deliver containerised simulation deployments using technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes for development, CI, testing, and operational environments.
• Provide technical and project leadership to engineering teams of 5+ contributors across software, autonomy, perception, test, and program functions.
• Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams to connect simulation with autonomy algorithms, hardware interfaces, and automated test pipelines.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in CI/CD, test‑driven development, software architecture, and simulation tooling.
• Support key customer programs by delivering robust, validated, and scalable simulation environments.

Required qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Extensive professional experience in software engineering and systems integration.
• Strong experience with modern C++ and familiarity with legacy C++ standards.
• Professional experience with Python.
• Demonstrated success delivering reliable software in fast‑paced engineering environments.
• Experience leading teams delivering complex engineering or software projects.
• Hands‑on experience with real‑time, distributed simulation systems or HWIL/SWIL environments.
• Experience with Docker or similar containerisation technologies.
• Proficiency working in Linux development environments.
• Strong problem‑solving capability and ability to work through complex technical challenges.
• Strong history of collaboration, accountability, and being an effective and kind teammate.
• Ability to obtain an Australian NV1 security clearance.

Preferred qualifications

• Defence industry experience.
• Experience with uncrewed systems, particularly in the air domain.
• Experience with AFSIM, NGTS, or similar defence simulation environments.
• Experience with data processing, analysis pipelines, or test automation workflows (especially Python‑based).

#LB

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check.

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.