Staff Engineer, Autonomy (R5684)

Shield AI; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 190,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Engineer, Autonomy to design, build, and deploy autonomous capabilities for uncrewed systems. You’ll work at the intersection of AI, perception, and motion planning, guiding integration across teams and real-world deployments.

The role blends software development with robotics, testing autonomous behaviors in high-fidelity simulations and hardware-in-the-loop, and mentoring junior engineers in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in CS/Mechatronics/SE/Aerospace/Robotics
• Significant professional experience in robotics, autonomy, perception or aerospace systems
• Experience delivering reliable software in fast-paced environments

Responsibilities

• Design and implement autonomous behaviours for uncrewed aircraft
• Work with real sensor data and sensor fusion solutions
• Develop and test autonomy systems in simulations and hardware-in-the-loop
• Integrate Shield AI autonomy products with third-party aircraft and systems
• Collaborate across AI, robotics and systems engineering teams
• Contribute to architecture, code quality, design reviews and best practices
• Lead and mentor junior engineers

Skills

Modern C++

Robotics & autonomy

Perception & sensor fusion

Education

Bachelor’s or higher in Computer Science / Mechatronics / Software Engineering / Aerospace / Robotics

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defence technology company building intelligent autonomous systems for aircraft. Our mission is to protect service members and civilians through AI and autonomy.

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Staff Engineer, Autonomy to join our Hivemind Solutions team and help design, build, and deploy real-world autonomous capabilities for uncrewed systems. This is a hands-on engineering role, blending software development with robotics, perception, and path planning. You’ll be joining a high-performing team shaping the future of AI pilots for solving real-world problems.

If you’re a capable C++ developer with a passion for robotics and autonomy, this is your chance to make a real impact.

What you'll do:

As a Staff Engineer, Autonomy, you’ll work at the intersection of artificial intelligence, task & motion planning and controls.

• 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 together 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

Required Qualifications:

• A tertiary level qualification in Computer Science, Mechatronics, Software Engineering, Aerospace, Robotics or a related field
• 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• A tertiary level qualification in Computer Science, Mechatronics, Software Engineering, Aerospace, Robotics or a related field
• 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