Senior Real-Time Simulation Engineer – Autonomy

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

Job summary

Shield AI seeks a Senior Engineer in Modelling and Simulation to lead high‑fidelity, real‑time simulation efforts for Hivemind Mission Autonomy programs in Australia. You will architect, implement, and operationalise scalable simulation environments used by autonomy, perception, and systems teams to test and demonstrate advanced uncrewed aircraft autonomy.

Role involves technical leadership across distributed systems, C++ and Python development, and integration with defence platforms like

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.

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, 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.

Skills

C++

Python

Leadership

Linux

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

AFSIM

NGTS

Job description

Shield AI seeks a Senior Engineer in Modelling and Simulation to lead high‑fidelity, real‑time simulation efforts for Hivemind Mission Autonomy programs in Australia. You will architect, implement, and operationalise scalable simulation environments used by autonomy, perception, and systems teams to test and demonstrate advanced uncrewed aircraft autonomy.

Role involves technical leadership across distributed systems, C++ and Python development, and integration with defence platforms like