Staff Engineer, Test Integration, Modelling and Simulation (R5601)

AI Chopping Block; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is a defense-tech company delivering Hivemind autonomy software and advanced simulation technologies. This role seeks a seasoned C++ engineer to lead design, development, and integration of high-performance software across complex systems.

You will drive real-time processing, architect scalable simulation solutions, and mentor engineers while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver cutting-edge capabilities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in software engineering
• Strong experience in systems integration
• Experience with modern C++ (C++17/20)
• Linux development environment proficiency

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and maintenance of high-performance C++ software for complex systems.
• Architect robust simulation solutions for real-time processing.
• Integrate third-party software and hardware into architectures.
• Set technical standards and mentor engineers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for project delivery.
• Implement CI/CD and test-driven development practices.
• Tackle debugging and optimization to improve performance.
• Stay updated with new technologies and approaches.

Skills

C++ (modern)

Systems integration

Python

Linux

Docker

CI/CD

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/EE

Master's or PhD preferred

Tools

CMake

Conan

Docker

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.

Job Description:

This position is perfect for a seasoned C++ engineer with expertise in modeling and simulation, systems, and systems integration. As a key leader, you will tackle the most challenging and complex projects with minimal oversight, driving impactful results in collaboration with a dynamic and skilled team. This is an opportunity to shape innovative solutions, integrating simulations and third-party systems, and advancing cutting-edge technologies.

What you'll do:

• Lead the design, development, and maintenance of high-performance C++ software for complex systems.
• Architect robust, scalable simulation solutions for systems of systems and real-time processing.
• Drive the integration of third-party software and hardware systems into comprehensive architectures.
• Set technical standards and mentor other engineers to promote excellence and best practices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project alignment and successful delivery.
• Implement modern agile software development practices, including continuous integration and test-driven development.
• Tackle complex debugging and optimization challenges to enhance system performance.
• Explore and adopt new technologies to stay at the forefront of the field.
• Drive task decomposition for teams and individuals

Required qualifications:

• 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.
• Advanced professional experience in software engineering and systems integration.
• Familiarity with design patterns and system-level engineering principles.
• Extensive experience in C++ using modern C++ (C++17/20) while possessing a solid understanding of older standards (C++98/03) for adapting to legacy code and systems seamlessly.
• Experience in Python.
• Programming experience in a Linux environment (Windows experience is a bonus).
• Expertise with Docker or other containerization mechanisms.
• Demonstrated success leading projects with 10+ contributors.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills, with a fast, efficient, and effective approach.
• Deep understanding of design patterns and system architecture principles.
• Experience in a collaborative development environment, focused on continuous integration/delivery and test-driven development.

Preferred qualifications:

• MS or greater in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience.
• Real-time and distributed simulation experience.
• Experience with surface and/or subsurface simulation environments and models.
• Proficiency in Python.
• Advanced knowledge of third-party system integration (software and hardware).
• Experience with web-service technologies like gRPC, REST APIs, message queues (ActiveMQ, ZeroMQ), etc.
• Familiarity with C++ tooling like CMake and Conan.
• Experience with UCI and OMS Standards.