Senior Staff Engineer, Software Autonomy (R5125)

Shield AI; Delhi; On-site; INR 2,500,000 - 3,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI is looking for a Senior Staff Software Engineer, Autonomy in Delhi, India. This hands-on role involves building edge-AI and autonomy software for diverse platforms, collaborating with teams and clients to implement software solutions, and leading integration efforts.

The ideal candidate will have a Master's and Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, extensive experience in software engineering, strong proficiency in modern C++ and some Python, and the ability to work across multiple locations in Asia.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of industry experience.
• 3+ years of experience hands-on writing software for autonomy/robotics applications.
• 2+ years of experience working in a startup environment.
• Strong technical background in software engineering.
• Ability to converse fluently in Hindi and English.

Responsibilities

• Collaborating with Shield AI teammates and customers to build edge-AI and autonomy software.
• Designing tactical autonomy algorithms for unmanned aircraft.
• Developing high-performance software modules for dynamic environments.
• Implementing behavior architectures for multi-agent coordination.
• Participating in field tests and validating performance on real platforms.

Skills

C++ programming

Python programming

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's and Master's degree in Aerospace, AI, Computer Science, Robotics or a related engineering field

Job description

Job Description

The Senior Staff Software Engineer, Autonomy will function as a hands‑on technical lead and subject matter expert, collaborating with Shield AI teammates and customers to build edge‑AI and autonomy software for platforms across sea, air, and space. This role involves working closely with customers to understand their requirements, writing code, developing new capabilities, ensuring successful software/hardware integration, and mentoring teammates.

What You’ll Do

• Examples of Projects You will Work On:
  • Autonomous teaming drones.
  • Teaming between helicopters and drones.
  • Autonomy on Robodogs.
  • AI Pilots for Fighter Jets
  • and more!
• Learn Hivemind: Become an expert user of the Hivemind Enterprise Autonomy Software Development Kit.
• Tactical Autonomy Design – Design tactical autonomy algorithms to enable unmanned aircraft to perform complex missions across air, land, and sea domains with minimal human supervision.
• High‑Performance Software Development – Develop high‑performance software modules that incorporate planning, decision‑making, and behavior execution strategies for dynamic and adversarial environments.
• Behavior Architecture Implementation – Implement and test behavior architectures that enable multi‑agent coordination, target engagement, reconnaissance, and survivability in contested scenarios.
• Hybrid Autonomy Integration – Work at the intersection of classical autonomy and machine learning, blending rule‑based systems with learning‑based methods such as reinforcement learning to achieve robust, adaptive behavior.
• Hardware Software Integration
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration – Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and flight test to ensure seamless integration of autonomy solutions on real‑world platforms.
• Deployment & Field Testing – Deploy autonomy capabilities to real platforms and participate in field tests and flight demos, validating performance in operationally relevant conditions.
• Mission Data Analysis – Analyze mission logs and performance data to diagnose failures, optimize behavior models, and inform iterative development.
• R&D and Roadmapping – Contribute to the autonomy roadmap by researching and prototyping new algorithms, identifying tactical capability gaps, and proposing novel solutions that advance Shield AI’s mission.
• Program Support & Adaptation – Support defense‑focused programs and customer needs by adapting autonomy solutions to evolving mission sets, compliance requirements, and operational feedback.
• Handover / Training: Provide software handover and training to customers for their autonomy development efforts.
• Documentation: Develop and maintain technical documentation for customers as well as internal use.
• Travel Requirement – Members of this team typically travel around 10‑15% of the year to different office locations, customer sites, and flight integration events (approximately 30% travel).

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s and Masters degree in Aerospace, AI, Computer Science, Robotics or a related engineering field.
• 12+ years of industry experience.
• Ability to travel and stay deployed at customer sites across India/Asia.
• 3+ years of experience hands‑on writing software for autonomy/robotics applications.
• 2+ years of experience working in a startup environment.
• Strong technical background in software engineering.
• Strong proficiency in writing modern C++ code.
• Intermediate proficiency in writing Python code.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to converse fluently in Hindi and English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the defense aviation or robotics industry.
• Ability to travel to USA for up to 3 months at a time for training.

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)

All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part‑time employees are not eligible for benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

AI Assisted Hiring

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.