Hands-on Simulation Framework Engineer II

Speedrun Talent Network; San Diego, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI seeks a Simulation Framework Engineer (L2) to develop and maintain software linking modeling and simulation environments with core autonomy software. You will write C++ and Python, build adapters and plugins, and create reusable components to reduce sim-assembly complexity for autonomy developers.

This early-career role involves migrating HMSSimBlocks to HMSF, porting modules, testing functionality, and maintaining compatibility for programs using HMSSimBlocks, under guidance from

Qualifications

• Master's degree in CS, CE, AE, ME, Systems Eng or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Foundational programming in C++ and Python from coursework, internships, or work.
• Linux development experience with command line, build, and scripting basics.
• Knowledge of Git version control, debugging, and automated testing practices.
• Understanding of OO programming, APIs, modular software design.
• Exposure to networking concepts (TCP/UDP, client-server, data serialization).
• Interest in modeling/simulation, autonomy, robotics, distributed systems, defense tech.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. SECRET clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Develop, compile, test, and maintain C++ and Python software for simulation adapters, plugins, and interfaces.
• Contribute to baseline integrations for simulation backends such as AFSIM, NGTS, Aechelon, HMSSimBlocks, and HMSF.
• Assist with the transition from HMSSimBlocks to HMSF by porting features and updating interfaces.
• Maintain and improve HMSSimBlocks integrations for legacy programs still using the framework.
• Support reusable simulation components and plugin patterns for sensors, vehicle models, and mission capabilities.
• Implement and maintain CIGI-based plugins and interfaces for communication with Aechelon image generators.
• Verify functional behavior across simulation plugins, including CSF loading, DDS, GRID, and Hivemind SDK compatibility.
• Diagnose issues by reviewing logs, network traffic, DDS messages, APIs, configs, and call stacks.
• Write unit tests, automated tests, developer docs, and example configurations.
• Participate in code reviews, design discussions, bug triage, and cross-functional debugging.

Skills

C++

Python

Linux

Git

OO programming

Networking

Debugging

Test automation

Education

Master's degree

Tools

DDS

Unreal Engine

ROS 2

MATLAB/Simulink

Gazebo

CIGI

DIS / HLA

Job description

Shield AI seeks a Simulation Framework Engineer (L2) to develop and maintain software linking modeling and simulation environments with core autonomy software. You will write C++ and Python, build adapters and plugins, and create reusable components to reduce sim-assembly complexity for autonomy developers.

This early-career role involves migrating HMSSimBlocks to HMSF, porting modules, testing functionality, and maintaining compatibility for programs using HMSSimBlocks, under guidance from