Senior Manager, Autonomy (R5683)

Speedrun Talent Network; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI in Melbourne is looking for a Senior Manager, Autonomy to lead in-country teams delivering Hivemind autonomy solutions for unmanned systems. You will guide architecture, design, development, risk mitigation, and product quality, ensuring integration across aircraft from small UxS to large autonomous platforms.

The role emphasizes defense experience, leadership of 6–20 engineers, and collaboration with IRAD and government contracts.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of industry experience in autonomy and/or UxS platforms (defense tech)
• 7+ years delivering software into high-reliability production or certifiable environments
• 2+ years managing technical teams
• Deep proficiency in C++
• Understanding of GNC (controls, estimation, planning)
• Understanding of the full robotics stack (perception, estimation, planning, controls)
• Experience defining technical scope, requirements, architectures, ICDs, and system design docs
• Demonstrated problem-solving using a scientific approach
• Experience as a customer-facing engineering leader supporting defense and internal programs
• Experience contributing to government contract proposals
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Proven leadership of teams 6-20 engineers
• Fluent English and Mandarin

Responsibilities

• Lead teams across autonomy, integration, and testing with alignment of technical goals
• Shape autonomy architectures and advance Hivemind
• Define objectives, make engineering decisions, ensure deliverables’ quality
• Provide technical oversight across IRAD initiatives and government contracts

Skills

C++ proficiency

Leadership

Autonomy/UxS experience

GNC knowledge

Robotics stack

Communication skills

Defense contract experience

English & Mandarin

Customer-facing leadership

Proposal experience

Team management 6-20

Education

BS/MS in CS/EE/ME/Ae

Tools

ICDs

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-BATaircraft, 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 Senior Manager, Autonomy, you will solve complex technical challenges in deploying advanced autonomy solutions on unmanned systems (UxS).

You will lead the in-country team to deliver autonomy solutions and provide clear leadership and guidance on system architecture, design, development, risk mitigation, and product quality. You will ensure the successful integration of Hivemind across a range of aircraft, from small UxS to large autonomous collaborative platforms.

This role is part of the Hivemind Solutions organization delivering cutting-edge autonomous capabilities for commercial and defense programs. The ideal candidate has relevant defense industry experience and a proven track record of leading technical teams to develop and deploy autonomous systems.

What you'll do:

• Lead teams across autonomy, integration, and testing by aligning technical efforts, resolving cross-functional challenges, and driving mission-focused execution. Balance hands-on technical oversight with performance optimization, innovation, and clear stakeholder communication.
• Lead a team responsible for advancing Hivemind and shaping autonomy architectures.
• Define and assign technical objectives, make key engineering decisions, and ensure the quality and completeness of all technical deliverables.
• Provide technical leadership and oversight across both Internal Research and Development (IRAD) initiatives and government defense contracts.

Required qualifications:

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• 10+ years of industry experience in autonomy and/or UxS platforms (e.g., defense technology, autonomous vehicles)
• 7+ years delivering software into high-reliability production or certifiable environments
• 2+ years managing technical teams
• Deep proficiency in C++
• Understanding of guidance, navigation and control (GNC) (e.g., controls, estimation, planning)
• Understanding of the full robotics stack (e.g., perception, estimation, planning, controls)
• Understanding of software development processes and how to effectively deploy software
• Experience defining technical scope and managing technical requirements, product architectures, interface control documents (ICDs), and other system-level design documentation
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills, applying a structured, scientific approach
• Experience as a customer-facing engineering leader supporting both defense and internally funded development programs
• Experience contributing to government contract proposals
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Proven leadership of teams of 6-20 engineers
• Fluent written and spoken English and Mandarin

Our international teammates receive a comprehensive total rewards package aligned to your country office location. For full details on compensation and benefits, please consult your talent acquisition partner.