Engineer I, Software - Autonomous Pilot Integration - New Grad - 6125

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 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-BAT aircraft, 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 .

The Autonomous Pilot Integration team builds and maintains a reusable core pilot and applies it to real programs and platforms. We combine Hivemind SDK, Perception, and Autonomy Capabilities components into complete mission solutions, adapt them to vehicle and operator interfaces, and validate behavior in simulation, labs, and representative tests. This role contributes to both reusable pilot software and program-specific autonomy applications.

As an entry-level engineer, you will work with experienced engineers on well-defined software, configuration, and test tasks. You will learn how mission behavior, platform control, sensors, and C2 work together without being expected to own an interface, release, or test event independently.

What you'll do:

• Implement C++ changes to program-specific mission behavior, autonomy configuration, diagnostics, or an assigned platform-interface component with guidance.
• Develop and adapt supported pilot behaviors and reference configurations for defined missions or platforms, contributing reusable improvements to the core pilot with guidance.
• Run builds and unit or integration tests; help 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.
• Work with the Autonomy Capabilities team on planning and other capability interfaces, and with Integration & Test and platform teams on platform interfaces, compute, and test environments.

We are seeking Autonomous Software Engineers for full-time roles starting in 2027! This is a paid, in-person, full-time position for students graduating during the 2026-2027 academic year. We are now reviewing applications for positions starting after graduation in 2027.

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field, graduating between December 2026 and August 2027.
• Foundational C++ or Python programming demonstrated through coursework, projects, research, internships, or work experience.
• Familiarity with Linux, Git, debugging, and basic software-testing practices.
• Ability to complete scoped tasks with guidance, communicate progress, and incorporate feedback.
• Must be able to work in-person full-time.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior internship or co-op experience writing software.
• Projects involving autonomy, platform controls, sensors, simulation, or C2 interfaces.
• Familiarity with containers, message buses, networking, or hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Interest in hands-on lab work and occasional integration or field-test events.

$77,200 - $211,200 a year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

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)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

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.

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.