Senior Autonomy Integration Engineer

Blackshark; Oslo; On-site; NOK 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI in Oslo is seeking a Flight Integration Engineer to deploy autonomy software on unmanned aircraft, validate interfaces, and prepare flight-ready systems for field testing. You will collaborate with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams to ensure reliability in dynamic environments.

The role requires hands-on experience with integration and debugging in lab and field settings, plus travel of 30–40% to support deployments and evaluations across sites and customers.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• 7+ years with a Bachelor’s; or 5 years with a Master’s; or 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python; familiarity with RTOS.

Responsibilities

• System Integration & Deployment — Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems across onboard compute, sensors, and control interfaces.
• Pre-flight Preparation — Own build, configuration, and validation for flight-ready systems; coordinate hardware/software compatibility.
• On-site Flight Test Support — Travel to test sites and support live flight operations under time-critical constraints.
• Hardware/Software Debugging — Diagnose and resolve integration issues across autonomy software stacks and embedded systems.
• Flight Data Capture & Analysis — Manage data collection during missions and post-test analysis with autonomy engineers.
• Collaboration Across Teams — Work with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams to ensure mission-critical functionality is delivered and validated.
• Continuous Improvement — Build tools and processes to improve integration timelines and flight test reliability.
• Support Certification & Compliance — Assist with documentation and validation for certification and airworthiness in defense environments.
• Travel Requirement — 30-40% travel to different locations and flight events.

Skills

C++

Python

RTOS

Linux

ROS

DDS

Sensor fusion

Embedded systems

Flight demos

Simulation tools

Education

BS/MS in CS/EE/AE or equivalent

Tools

ROS

DDS

Embedded development tools

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.

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

What you'll do:

• System Integration & Deployment — 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.
• Travel Requirement – Members of this team typically travel around 30-40% of the year (to different office locations, customer sites, and flight integration events).

Required 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 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.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Python, and familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Proficiency in Linux-based development and experience working with embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics.
• Knowledge of sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware frameworks (e.g., ROS, DDS).
• Hands-on experience supporting flight demos or live exercises.
• Experience with simulation tools and environments for testing and validation.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience supporting unmanned aerial systems or similar flight test campaigns.
• Familiarity with autonomy stacks, flight control systems, or GNC pipelines.
• 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.

Our international teammates receive a comprehensive total rewards package aligned to your country office location. For full details on compensation and benefits, please consult your talent acquisition partner.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. 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.