Senior Real-Time Simulation Engineer – Autonomy (Defence)

Shield AI; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI in Melbourne, Australia, is seeking a Senior Engineer in Modelling and Simulation to lead real-time and faster‑than‑real‑time simulation efforts for Hivemind Mission Autonomy programs. You will architect and deploy high‑performance simulation environments that integrate autonomy, perception, and systems engineering, enabling cutting‑edge UAV mission testing.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, cross‑functional collaboration, and delivery of scalable, mission‑critical simulation

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mechatronics or related field.
• 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 with real time or distributed simulation systems.
• Experience with Docker or similar containerisation technologies.
• Proficiency working in Linux development environments.
• Strong problem solving capability and the ability to work through complex technical challenges.
• Strong history of collaboration, accountability and being an effective team member.
• Ability to obtain an Australian security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and evolution of distributed real time simulation systems across virtual, constructive and live environments.
• 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 and high fidelity environments.
• Integrate defence simulation frameworks such as AFSIM or NGTS to support 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.
• Collaborate with cross functional teams to connect simulation with autonomy algorithms, hardware interfaces and automated test pipelines.
• Drive improvement across CI/CD, test driven development, software architecture and simulation tooling.
• Support key customer programs by delivering reliable and scalable simulation environments.

Skills

C++

Python

Linux

Real-time simulation

Distributed simulation

Docker/Kubernetes

CI/CD

Software integration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Shield AI in Melbourne, Australia, is seeking a Senior Engineer in Modelling and Simulation to lead real-time and faster‑than‑real‑time simulation efforts for Hivemind Mission Autonomy programs. You will architect and deploy high‑performance simulation environments that integrate autonomy, perception, and systems engineering, enabling cutting‑edge UAV mission testing.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, cross‑functional collaboration, and delivery of scalable, mission‑critical simulation