Modelling and Simulation Lead Engineer

Shield; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI in Melbourne seeks a lead Modelling and Simulation engineer to shape Australian Mission Autonomy programs. You will guide multidisciplinary teams, design distributed real-time simulation systems, and implement C++ software for modelling, test and integration across virtual, constructive, and live environments.

The role requires extensive experience in modern C++, Python, real-time simulation, and familiarity with defence frameworks like AFSIM or NGTS.

Qualifications

• Bachelor level degree in CS/Software Eng or related field.
• Extensive software engineering and systems integration experience.
• Strong C++ and Python development background.
• Experience with real-time, distributed simulation environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and evolution of distributed, real-time simulation systems for autonomy development.
• Architect and implement C++ software for modelling, simulation and integration workflows.
• Develop real-time mission execution environments for multi-agent simulations.
• Apply defence simulation frameworks like AFSIM or NGTS to accelerate delivery.
• Leverage Docker, Kubernetes to ensure scalable simulation deployments.
• Lead engineering teams of 5+ contributors across multiple disciplines.
• Integrate simulation with autonomy algorithms and hardware interfaces.
• Champion CI/CD, testing, design patterns and system architecture.

Skills

C++

Python

Docker/Kubernetes

Linux

Real-time simulation

Team leadership

CI/CD

HWIL/SWIL

Education

Computer Science or Software Engineering degree

Tools

AFSIM

NGTS

Job description

At Shield AI, we build intelligent systems that protect service members and civilians. Our products include Hivemind, the autonomy software that enables aircraft and other uncrewed systems to make decisions and execute missions, even when GPS and communications are unavailable, alongside our V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft.

Build the proving ground for that autonomy. As part of our Hivemind Solutions team, you'll lead Modelling and Simulation for Australian Mission Autonomy programs, shaping how engineers develop, test and demonstrate intelligent behaviour before it takes flight.

You'll guide multidisciplinary teams to turn complex operational scenarios into high-performance simulation environments, running in real time and faster than real time across distributed, containerised and hardware-in-the-loop systems. The challenge is to recreate the complexity of the real world, enabling engineers to explore how autonomous aircraft respond, coordinate and perform when missions don't go to plan.

Your work will underpin customer programs and internal R&D, connecting simulation with real hardware and giving engineers the speed, scale and confidence to bring new autonomous capabilities into the field.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the design and evolution of distributed, real-time simulation systems that support autonomy development, verification, and validation across virtual, constructive, and live environments
• Architect and implement C++ software for modelling, simulation, and integration workflows, while maintaining compatibility with legacy standards for seamless system interoperability
• Develop, optimize, and deploy software for real-time mission execution environments, including multi-agent scenarios and high-fidelity system-of-systems simulations
• Apply practical experience with defence simulation frameworks such as AFSIM or NGTS to accelerate capability delivery and ensure alignment with defence customer expectations
• Leverage Docker, Kubernetes or similar technologies to ensure repeatable, scalable, and modular simulation deployments across development, CI, and operational environments
• Lead engineering teams of 5+ contributors, ensuring alignment across software, test, autonomy, perception, and program stakeholders
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to integrate simulation with autonomy algorithms, hardware interfaces, and test pipelines, enabling rapid experimentation, regression testing, and mission readiness
• Champion best practices in CI/CD, test-driven development, design patterns, and system architecture

About you

• A tertiary qualification in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field
• Extensive professional experience in software engineering and systems integration
• Strong experience in modern C++ with familiarity across legacy standards
• Professional experience with Python
• Significant experience building and delivering reliable software systems in fast-paced environments
• Experience leading teams to deliver complex engineering projects
• Experience with real-time, distributed simulation systems or HWIL/SWIL environments
• Experience with containerization technologies (Docker or equivalent)
• Experience working in Linux development environments
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems quickly and effectively
• Proven history of strong collaboration, accountability, and being a trusted teammate
• Ability to obtain an Australian NV1 security clearance

About us

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.