Senior Autonomy Integration Engineer

Shield; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI in Greater London is seeking a Flight Integration Engineer to lead system integration of autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft, coordinating hardware, sensors, and control interfaces.

You will own pre-flight build, validation, and mission readiness, travel to test sites for on-site flight test support, and troubleshoot time-critical issues in lab and field environments. Strong collaboration across teams is essential.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in CS, EE, ME, Aerospace or equivalent.
• 7+ years with a Bachelor; 5 years with a Master; 4 years with a PhD or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python; RTOS experience.
• Linux-based development; embedded systems; shell scripting; diagnostics.
• Knowledge of sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware (ROS, DDS).
• Hands-on experience supporting flight demos or live exercises.
• Experience with simulation tools for testing and validation.
• Strong problem-solving and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• System integration & deployment of autonomy software on unmanned aircraft systems across compute, sensors, and interfaces.
• Pre-flight build, configuration, and validation; ensure mission readiness.
• On-site flight test support; travel to test sites and assist with time-critical operations.
• Hardware/software debugging across autonomy stacks and embedded systems.
• Flight data capture & analysis with autonomy engineers to refine behaviors.
• Collaborate with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams to validate functionality.
• Build tools/processes to improve integration timelines and test reliability.
• Assist with certification and compliance documentation.
• Travel 30–40% of the year to offices, customer sites, and deployment events.

Skills

Strong problem-solving

Excellent communication

Teamwork

Education

BS in CS/EE/ME/AE or related

MS preferred

Tools

C++

Python

RTOS

ROS

DDS

Linux

Shell scripting

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BATaircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

This position is ideal for an individual who thrives on solving complex integration challenges that span hardware, software, and systems engineering. A successful candidate will be skilled at deploying autonomy solutions onto unmanned platforms, preparing systems for flight, and troubleshooting mission-critical issues in both lab and field environments.

The role is highly dynamic, requiring hands-on experience, strong systems thinking, and the ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, real-world test conditions. Our Flight Integration Engineers are essential to bridging the gap between R&D and deployment, ensuring that autonomous systems function reliably and effectively when and where they are needed most.

What you’ll do:

• 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).

Required qualifications:

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience supporting unmanned aerial systems or similar flight test campaigns.
• Familiarity with autonomy stacks, flight control systems, or GNC pipelines.
• Competence in sensor integration, electronics debugging, or avionics bring-up.
• Proficiency in developing automation tools for system testing, logging, and data parsing.
• Comfortable interfacing with DoD stakeholders during field events or technical reviews.
• Experience with UCI and OMS Standards.

Our international teammates receive a comprehensive total rewards package aligned to your country office location. For full details on compensation and benefits, please consult your talent acquisition partner.