Senior Software Engineer (Autonomous Pilot Integration (R5200)

Shield; Ashington; Vor Ort; GBP 75.000 - 110.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Excellent Medical Coverage

Mental Health EAP

Paid Parental Leave

Stock Benefits

401K Matching

Zusammenfassung

Shield AI seeks an Autonomous Pilot Integration engineer to write and own autonomy software for unmanned platforms across air, maritime, space, and other domains. You will collaborate closely with Autonomy Capabilities, Perception, and external integrators to deliver mission-critical functionality.

You will drive build, configuration, validation, and live-test support, including hardware/software bring-up, container deployment, and performance profiling under time-critical constraints.

Qualifikationen

• Minimum 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.
• Proficiency in C++ for real-time autonomous systems and Python for scripting.
• Familiarity with Linux-based development, embedded systems, and debugging in lab and field environments.

Aufgaben

• Develop and field autonomy software for unmanned platforms across air, maritime, space or other domains.
• Collaborate with Autonomy Capabilities and Perception teams to integrate mission-critical functionality.
• Lead end-to-end validation from software-in-the-loop to live test exercises; support field events and troubleshooting.

Kenntnisse

C++ proficiency

Python scripting

Linux-based development

Embedded systems

Real-time systems

Autonomy stacks

Vehicle-control integration

DoD liaison

Ausbildung

BS in CS/EE/Aerospace

MS/PhD in related field

Tools

Docker

k3s/k3d

Conan

CMake

DDS

ActiveMQ

Jobbeschreibung

• The Autonomous Pilot Integration team builds autonomy solutions for a wide range of CONOPs and mission sets
• We combine capabilities from the Autonomy Capabilities team (motion planning, tactics), the Perception team (e.g. , track fusion), and the HivemindSDK to develop the autonomy software that runs on an unmanned platform — air, maritime, space, or effects/expendables, depending on the program — then integrate, validate, and field it on the real hardware
• In this role, you’ll write new autonomy code — such as mission behaviors, platform-specific control, multi-agent coordination, contingencies, and executive autonomy — and own it end-to-end from software-in-the-loop, to hardware-in-the-loop, to vehicle-in-the-loop, to live test exercise
• You’ll partner closely with the Autonomy Capabilities and Perception teams, feature crews, and external platform integrators (vehicle/autopilot control vendors, C2 providers)
• It’s a hands-on role for engineers who like seeing their code operate in the real world — whether that’s flying, sailing, orbiting, or downrange — and want to be there when it does
• Shield AI is committed to developing cutting-edge autonomy for unmanned platforms across every operating domain — air, maritime, space, and effects/expendables — in service of the U.S. Department of Defense and our international defense customers
• Our Autonomous Pilot Integration engineers bridge the gap between R&D and deployment, ensuring autonomous systems function reliably and effectively wherever and whenever they’re needed most
• Develop & Field Autonomy — Develop & integrate autonomy software solutions onto unmanned platforms (air, maritime, space, or effects/expendables), including payload computer bring-up, container-based deployment (e.g., k3s/k3d), and configuration across onboard compute, sensors, and command-and-control interfaces
• Collaboration Across Teams — Work closely with the Autonomy Capabilities team (motion planning, tactics), the Perception team, feature crews, and external partners (platform integrators, vehicle/autopilot control vendors, C2 providers) to deliver and validate mission-critical functionality on time
• Pre-deployment Preparation — Own the build, configuration, and validation process for mission-ready systems; coordinate hardware/software compatibility, mission readiness, and release cadence with capability and feature teams
• On-site Test & Mission Support — Travel to test sites and support live mission operations (flight tests, range exercises, on-water trials, integration events), including safety checks, system bring-up, and troubleshooting under time-critical constraints
• Hardware/Software Debugging — Diagnose and resolve integration issues across complex autonomy stacks, payload computers, and embedded systems in lab and field environments — including memory, CPU, and timing profiling under operationally-representative loads
• Mission Data & Debrief Support — Capture mission and test data, reproduce issues in simulation, and partner with autonomy capability owners to drive fixes back into the next build
• Continuous Improvement — Build tools and processes to improve integration timelines, test/mission reliability, and team efficiency across deployment cycles
• C2 Interoperability & Standards — Implement and validate compliance with command-and-control standards (e.g., A-GRA, UCI, OMS) and coordinate with C2 providers on interface contracts and integration milestones
• Travel Requirement – Members of this team typically travel around 10-20% of the year (to different office locations, customer sites, and integration/test events)

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

• Proficiency in Linux-based development and experience working with embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics
• Hands-on experience supporting demos, exercises, or field/mission tests for unmanned or autonomous systems
• Proficiency in C++, with experience developing or integrating real-time or latency-sensitive systems
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment
• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance across the full stack
• 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
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance
• Familiarity with middleware, pub-sub, or IPC frameworks used in autonomy or robotics systems (e.g., DDS, ActiveMQ)
• Experience with autonomy simulation environments for testing and validation
• Direct experience supporting uncrewed systems (air, maritime, space, ground, or effects/expendables) or similar field test campaigns
• Proficiency in Python for scripting, automation, and analysis
• Familiarity with autonomy stacks, motion planning, or vehicle-control integration
• Competence in vehicle electronics bring-up (avionics, spacecraft buses, or vessel control), payload computer integration, or hardware-in-the-loop debugging
• Experience with container orchestration (e.g., k3s, k3d, Docker) on embedded or payload compute
• Proficiency in developing automation tools for system testing, logging, and data parsing
• Familiarity with platform control / autopilot stacks (e.g., PX4, ArduPilot, spacecraft flight software, vessel autopilots)
• Build-system experience (e.g., Conan, CMake) and CI/CD pipeline familiarity
• Comfortable interfacing with DoD stakeholders during field events or technical reviews
• Experience with C2 standards such as A-GRA, UCI, or OMSF
• Familiarity with government-furnished simulation environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS) is a plus