Flight Autonomy Integration Engineer

f7d8749a-72d6-407c-bf98-292ea630c73a; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI seeks a Flight Integration Engineer to lead integration of autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems, ensuring flight-ready readiness and robust performance across hardware, sensors, and control interfaces.

You will own pre-flight preparation, on-site flight test support, and collaboration with autonomy, GNC, and systems teams to deliver reliable deployments in fast-paced environments. 3+ years of hands-on integration experience preferred.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 5 years and a Master’s degree; or 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Python, and familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Proficiency in Linux-based development and experience working with embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics.
• Knowledge of sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware frameworks (e.g., ROS, DDS).
• Hands-on experience supporting flight demos or live exercises.
• Experience with simulation tools and environments for testing and validation.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

Responsibilities

• System Integration & Deployment — Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems, ensuring seamless operation across onboard compute, sensors, and control interfaces.
• Pre-flight Preparation — Own the build, configuration, and validation process for flight-ready systems; coordinate hardware/software compatibility and mission readiness.
• On-site Flight Test Support — Travel to test sites and support live flight operations, including safety checks, system bring-up, and troubleshooting under time-critical constraints.
• Hardware/Software Debugging — Diagnose and resolve integration issues across complex autonomy software stacks and embedded systems in lab and field environments.
• Flight Data Capture & Analysis — Manage data collection during missions and post-test analysis, working with autonomy engineers to refine behaviors and identify improvements.
• Collaboration Across Teams — Work closely with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams to ensure mission-critical functionality is delivered on time and validated thoroughly.
• Continuous Improvement — Build tools and processes to improve integration timelines, flight test reliability, and team efficiency across deployment cycles.
• Support Certification and Compliance — Assist with documentation and system-level validation required for certification, airworthiness, and compliance in defense-relevant environments.
• Travel Requirement — Members of this team typically travel around 30-40% of the year to different office locations, customer sites, and flight integration events.

Skills

C++

Python

RTOS

Linux

ROS

DDS

Sensor fusion

Education

BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent

Tools

Embedded Systems

Shell scripting

System diagnostics

Job description

Shield AI seeks a Flight Integration Engineer to lead integration of autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems, ensuring flight-ready readiness and robust performance across hardware, sensors, and control interfaces.

You will own pre-flight preparation, on-site flight test support, and collaboration with autonomy, GNC, and systems teams to deliver reliable deployments in fast-paced environments. 3+ years of hands-on integration experience preferred.