Senior Engineer, Modelling and Simulation (R5702)

Shieldai; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI in Melbourne is seeking a Senior Engineer in Modelling and Simulation to lead development of high‑fidelity simulation environments for autonomy and mission planning.

You will architect real‑time and distributed simulation across virtual, constructive, and live environments, implement high‑performance C++ software, and drive CI/CD and testing pipelines while collaborating with cross‑functional teams. Australian NV1 clearance is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mechatronics or related field.
• Extensive software engineering and systems integration experience.
• Strong C++ experience and familiarity with legacy standards.
• Professional Python experience.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Develop and optimise real-time and distributed simulation software for multi-agent scenarios and high-fidelity environments.
• Integrate defence simulation frameworks such as AFSIM or NGTS to align with customer expectations.
• Design and deliver containerised simulation deployments using Docker and Kubernetes for development, CI, testing, and operations.
• Provide technical and project leadership to engineering teams of 5+ contributors across software, autonomy, perception, test, and program functions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to connect simulation with autonomy algorithms, hardware interfaces, and automated test pipelines.
• Drive CI/CD, test-driven development, software architecture and tooling improvements.
• Support customer programs by delivering robust, validated simulation environments.

Skills

Modern C++

Python

Real-time/hwil-swil

Linux development

CI/CD

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/SE/Mechatronics

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Job Description:

As a Senior 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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).

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.