Autonomy Software Engineer I

Shield; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 77,000 - 211,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI in Washington, DC is seeking an entry-level Autonomous Software Engineer to join the Autonomous Pilot Integration team. You will contribute to the core pilot software and program-specific autonomy applications, working with Hivemind SDK, perception and autonomy capabilities under guided supervision.

You will implement C++ changes, develop reference configurations for defined missions, run builds and tests in lab or simulated environments, assist validation of data flows, and document

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering and graduating between December 2026 and August 2027.
• Foundational programming in C++ or Python demonstrated via coursework, projects, or internships.
• Familiarity with Linux, Git, debugging, and basic software-testing practices.
• Ability to complete scoped tasks with guidance and communicate progress.
• Must be able to work in-person full-time and capable of obtaining a SECRET clearance.

Responsibilities

• Implement C++ changes to mission behavior, autonomy configuration, diagnostics, or a platform-interface component with guidance.
• Develop and adapt pilot behaviors and reference configurations for defined missions or platforms.
• Run builds and unit/integration tests; reproduce issues using simulation, logs, and telemetry.
• Assist with validation of command, status, sensor, and mission data flows in lab or SIL/HIL environments.
• Document setup steps, interface assumptions, test findings, and reproducible failures for the program team.
• Collaborate with Autonomy Capabilities, Integration & Test, and platform teams on interfaces and test environments.

Skills

Foundational C++ or Python

Linux

Git

Debugging

Software testing practices

Ability to obtain SECRET clearance

In-person work

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in CS, Robotics, EE, or AE

Graduating Dec 2026–Aug 2027

Tools

Containers

Message buses

Networking

Hardware-in-the-loop testing

Job description

Shield AI in Washington, DC is seeking an entry-level Autonomous Software Engineer to join the Autonomous Pilot Integration team. You will contribute to the core pilot software and program-specific autonomy applications, working with Hivemind SDK, perception and autonomy capabilities under guided supervision.

You will implement C++ changes, develop reference configurations for defined missions, run builds and tests in lab or simulated environments, assist validation of data flows, and document