Staff Engineer, Autonomy - AI & Robotics for Uncrewed Aircraft

Speedrun Talent Network; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Engineer, Autonomy to design, build, and deploy autonomous capabilities for uncrewed aircraft. This hands-on role blends software with robotics, perception and path planning, aiming to advance AI pilots for real‑world applications.

You will work at the intersection of AI, task and motion planning, and controls, driving robust autonomy solutions and leading junior engineers in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Computer Science, Mechatronics, Software Engineering, Aerospace or Robotics.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 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

Robotics experience

Autonomy systems

Perception expertise

Modern C++

Education

Tertiary qualification in CS/Mechatronics/Software Eng/Aerospace/Robotics

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Engineer, Autonomy to design, build, and deploy autonomous capabilities for uncrewed aircraft. This hands-on role blends software with robotics, perception and path planning, aiming to advance AI pilots for real‑world applications.

You will work at the intersection of AI, task and motion planning, and controls, driving robust autonomy solutions and leading junior engineers in a fast-paced environment.