Senior Staff Engineer, Autonomy (R3955)

Lever; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A deep-tech company is seeking an Autonomy Engineer to lead teams in artificial intelligence and integrate products into third-party systems. The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of experience in robotics technologies and strong problem-solving abilities, with expertise in software development. This role is full-time and offers competitive pay along with benefits and equity.

Benefits

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Qualifications

• Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree.
• Significant background in robotics technologies related to sensing, estimation, path planning, and data fusion.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead teams at the intersection of artificial intelligence, task & motion planning, and controls.
• Integrate products with third-party systems.
• Write autonomous behaviors for various aircraft platforms.

Skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Collaboration

Unix environments

Robotics technologies

Software development

Education

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

Job description

This position is perfect for an individual who enjoys solving the most complex problems across a portfolio of diverse domains and modalities. An ideal candidate is expected to apply classical autonomous techniques, algorithms, and theory to various platforms in multiple tactical scenarios. These solutions are expected to be integrated into real-world problems with near‑term program impacts and rewards. Shield AI is looking to continue to push the envelope by teaming traditional autonomous systems algorithms and deep reinforcement learning‑based solutions to create an unmatched capability and speed to deployment technology base.

Responsibilities

• As an Autonomy Engineer on this team, you will lead teams at the intersection of artificial intelligence, task & motion planning, and controls.
• You will work closely with talented engineers to architect solutions, set standards for software engineering, drive strategic technical improvements, and mentor other engineers.
• Integrate Shield AI autonomy products together with third‑party systems.
• Write autonomous behaviors for varying aircraft platforms (i.e., VTOL and Fixed Wing).
• Work with Subject Matter Experts to understand customer needs and implement appropriate autonomy solutions.
• Experience working projects with 10+ contributors.
• Offers fast, efficient, effective problem‑solving approaches.
• Exceptional collaborator and communicator.
• Comfortable within Unix environments.
• Hard‑working, trustworthy teammate.
• Exhibits holding themselves and others to high standards.
• Being kind to others.
• Experience in a collaborative development environment, focused on continuous integration/delivery & test‑driven development.
• Strong knowledge of modern software engineering best practices.
• Demonstrated record of working hard, strong communication skills, being a trustworthy teammate, and being kind to others.
• Strong organizational skills, MS or greater in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience.
• Mathematical background in both linear/nonlinear control theory and autonomous systems technologies/algorithms.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving skills by applying a scientific approach.
• Ability to understand, derive, and implement motion models and accompanying controllers for trajectory generation and tracking.

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 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 9 years and a Master's degree; or 7 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
• Significant background in robotics technologies related to sensing, estimation, path planning, and data fusion.
• Proficiency in software development, benchmarking, debugging, and deployment.
• 7+ years of experience in Unmanned Systems programs in the DoD or applied R&D.
• 2+ years of people leadership experience.
• Significant experience with unmanned system technologies and accompanying algorithms (specifically air domain).
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
• Active UK security clearance.

Company Overview

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture‑backed deep‑tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V‑BAT and X‑BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With nine offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the 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.

Compensation and Benefits

Full‑time regular employee offer package: Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity.

Temporary employee offer package: Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment). Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part‑time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.