Autonomy Flight Integration Engineer

Shield; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI in the United States is seeking a seasoned Flight Integration Engineer to deploy autonomy software on unmanned aircraft, prepare flight-ready systems, and troubleshoot mission-critical issues in lab and field environments.

You will travel 30-40% to test sites and collaborate with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams to ensure safe, reliable performance and successful certification support in defense-relevant environments. A SECRET clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent with 5+ years experience; or 4 years + MS; or 2 years + PhD.
• Proficient in C++ and Python; real-time OS experience.
• Linux development, embedded systems, shell scripting, diagnostics.
• Sensor fusion, middleware (ROS, DDS); flight demos/experiments.
• Experience with simulation tools like AFSIM/NGTS; strong problem-solving.
• Excellent communication; able to work in multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Responsibilities

• System Integration & Deployment: install autonomy software on UAVs and ensure cross-interface operation.
• Pre-flight: own build, config, validation for flight-ready systems; verify compatibility.
• On-site Flight Test Support: travel to test sites and support live flights with safety checks.
• Hardware/Software Debugging: diagnose and fix integration issues in lab and field.
• Flight Data Capture & Analysis: collect data and refine autonomy behaviors with engineers.
• Cross-team Collaboration: coordinate with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams.
• Continuous Improvement: create tools to speed integration and improve reliability.
• Certification Support: assist with documentation for airworthiness and compliance.
• Travel: expect ~30-40% travel for office sites and flight events.

Skills

C++

Python

RTOS

Linux

ROS

DDS

Sensor fusion

Embedded systems

Flight testing

Clearance

Education

BS/MS in CS/EE/Aerospace or equivalent

Tools

AFSIM

NGTS

ROS Middleware

Job description

Shield AI in the United States is seeking a seasoned Flight Integration Engineer to deploy autonomy software on unmanned aircraft, prepare flight-ready systems, and troubleshoot mission-critical issues in lab and field environments.

You will travel 30-40% to test sites and collaborate with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams to ensure safe, reliable performance and successful certification support in defense-relevant environments. A SECRET clearance is required.