Senior Engineer, Autonomy (R5710)

Speedrun Talent Network; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Senior Autonomy Engineer to design, build and deploy autonomous capabilities for uncrewed aircraft. You will work at the intersection of AI, task and motion planning, and controls, blending software with robotics and perception.

The role requires strong C++ development experience and a passion for autonomy, with opportunities to mentor teammates and shape flagship autonomy products.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in CS/Mechatronics/Software Eng/Aerospace/Robotics.
• Significant experience in robotics, autonomy, perception or aerospace systems.
• Strong experience in modern C++.
• Experience delivering reliable software in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement autonomous behaviours for uncrewed aircraft.
• Process real sensor data and build sensor fusion solutions.
• Develop and test autonomy systems in high-fidelity sims and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) environments.
• Integrate Shield AI autonomy products with third-party aircraft and systems.
• Collaborate across AI, robotics, and systems engineering teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Contribute to architecture, code quality, design reviews and best practices.
• Lead and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Modern C++

Robotics experience

Autonomy systems

Perception

Sensor fusion

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Mechatronics, Software Engineering, Aerospace, or Robotics

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defence technology company building intelligent autonomous systems for aircraft. Our mission is to protect service members and civilians through AI and autonomy.

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Senior Engineer, Autonomy to join our Hivemind Solutions team and help design, build, and deploy real-world autonomous capabilities for uncrewed systems. This is a hands-on engineering role, blending software development with robotics, perception, and path planning. You’ll be joining a high-performing team shaping the future of AI pilots for solving real-world problems.

If you’re a capable C++ developer with a passion for robotics and autonomy, this is your chance to make a real impact.

What you'll be doing:

As a Senior Autonomy Engineer, you’ll work at the intersection of artificial intelligence, task & motion planning and controls.

• Design and implement autonomous behaviours for uncrewed aircraft.
• Work with real sensor data and build robust sensor fusion solutions.
• Develop and test autonomy systems in high-fidelity software and hardware in-the-loop simulations.
• Integrate Shield AI autonomy products together with third-party aircraft and systems.
• Collaborate across AI, robotics, and systems engineering teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Contribute to architecture, code quality, design reviews and best practices.
• Lead and Mentor junior engineers

Required Qualifications:

• A tertiary level qualification in Computer Science, Mechatronics, Software Engineering, Aerospace, Robotics or a related field
• Significant professional experience in robotics, autonomy, perception or aerospace systems
• Strong experience in modern C++
• Significant experience in building and delivering reliable software systems, ideally in fast-paced environments

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience with uncrewed systems, especially in the air domain
• Defence industry experience
• Significant experience in one or more of the following domains:
• State Estimation
• Real-Time Systems
• Guidance, Navigation and Control
• Path Planning