Senior Software Engineer (Autonomous Aircraft Integration)

Shield; Ashington; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent Medical Coverage

Mental Health Employee Assistance

Paid Parental Leave

Pet Insurance

Flexible Work Hours

Onsite Gym (DC)

Gym Discount (San Diego)

Free Parking

Competitive Compensation

Stock Benefits

401K Services and Match

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Flight Integration Engineer to bridge R&D and deployment of autonomous unmanned aircraft systems. You will integrate autonomy software with onboard compute, sensors, and control interfaces, ensuring reliable operation in both lab and field environments.

The role covers pre-flight build/configuration, flight test support, data capture and analysis, debugging, and cross-team collaboration. A SECRET clearance or ability to obtain one is required for defense-relevant work.

Qualifications

• Typically requires 5+ years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree, or 4 years with a Master’s, or 2 years with a PhD.
• Knowledge of sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware frameworks (e.g., ROS, DDS).
• Experience deploying autonomy software onto unmanned platforms and preparing systems for flight.

Responsibilities

• System Integration & Deployment—integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems across compute, sensors, and control interfaces.
• Pre-flight Preparation—own build, configuration, and validation for flight-ready systems and mission readiness.

Skills

Linux development

Embedded systems

C++

Python

Teamwork

Problem solving

Systems thinking

Sensor fusion

Education

BS in CS/EE/Aerospace

MS in CS/EE/Aerospace

PhD (optional)

Tools

ROS

DDS

RTOS

AFSIM

NGTS

Shell scripting

Job description

• Shield AI is committed to developing cutting-edge autonomy for unmanned aircraft operating across all Department of Defense (DoD) domains, including air, sea, and land
• 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
• System Integration & Deployment — You’ll 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

Benefits

• Excellent Medical Coverage
• Mental Health Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Parental Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Flexible Work Hours
• Onsite Gym (DC)
• Gym Discount (San Diego)
• Free Parking
• Competitive Compensation
• Stock Benefits
• 401K Services and Match

This position is ideal for an individual who thrives on solving complex integration challenges that span hardware, software, and systems engineeringA 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

Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance

Proficiency in Linux-based development and experience working with embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics

Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 4 years and a Master’s degree; or 2 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience

Experience with simulation tools and environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS) for testing and validation

Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance

BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience

Hands-on experience supporting flight demos or live exercises

Knowledge of sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware frameworks (e.g., ROS, DDS)

Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment

Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Python, and familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS)

Familiarity with autonomy stacks, flight control systems, or GNC pipelines

Direct experience supporting unmanned aerial systems or similar flight test campaigns

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