Flight Integration Engineer - Autonomous UAS

Shieldai; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Flight Integration Engineer to deploy autonomy software on unmanned aircraft, validate flight readiness, and troubleshoot complex integration issues in lab and field environments.

The role requires hands-on experience with autonomy stacks, ROS/DDS middleware, and simulation tools, with strong collaboration across engineering teams and a readiness to travel 30–40% of the year. A SECRET clearance is preferred.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in CS, EE, ME, Aerospace or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum 2 years related experience with Bachelor's; Master's/PhD with internship preferred; or equivalent.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python; RTOS knowledge.
• Linux development experience; embedded systems; shell scripting and diagnostics.
• Knowledge of sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware (ROS, DDS).
• Hands-on experience supporting flight demos or live exercises.
• Experience with simulation tools/environments (AFSIM, NGTS).
• Strong problem-solving and teamwork; excellent communication.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
• Direct experience supporting unmanned aerial systems or flight test campaigns.

Responsibilities

• System Integration & Deployment on unmanned aircraft.
• Pre-flight preparation, build/config/validation for flight-ready systems.
• On-site flight test support and troubleshooting under time-critical constraints.
• Hardware/software debugging across autonomy stacks and embedded systems.
• Flight data capture and analysis with autonomy engineers.
• Collaborate with autonomy, GNC, systems and test teams to ensure delivery.
• Build tools to improve integration timelines and test reliability.
• Support certification and compliance documentation and validation.
• Travel 30-40% of the year to office locations, sites, and events.

Skills

C++

Python

RTOS

Linux

Sensor integration

ROS

DDS

Flight demos

Simulation tools

Problem solving

Teamwork

Communication

Education

BS in Computer Science or Electrical/Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or equivalent

MS/PhD preferred with internship or equivalent experience

Tools

AFSIM

NGTS

Embedded systems

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Flight Integration Engineer to deploy autonomy software on unmanned aircraft, validate flight readiness, and troubleshoot complex integration issues in lab and field environments.

The role requires hands-on experience with autonomy stacks, ROS/DDS middleware, and simulation tools, with strong collaboration across engineering teams and a readiness to travel 30–40% of the year. A SECRET clearance is preferred.