Lead Autonomy Engineer – Unmanned Platform Systems

Shield AI; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 281,000 - 421,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI in San Mateo, CA seeks an experienced Autonomous Pilot Integration engineer to own end-to-end autonomy software across programs for unmanned platforms. You will implement mission behaviors, control, and cross-machine coordination, with hands-on hardware-in-the-loop work.

You will mentor senior engineers, shape technical strategy, and collaborate with Autonomy and Perception teams to ensure rigorous, deployment-ready systems in dynamic environments.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in C++, with real-time/latency-sensitive systems experience.
• Linux development, embedded systems, shell scripting, diagnostics.
• Experience leading teams or cross-program technical initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Own the technical direction across multiple programs in autonomy software.
• Write and integrate mission autonomy code for unmanned platforms.
• Mentor engineers, influence architecture, and drive cross-team wins.

Skills

C++

Linux

Embedded systems

DDS / middleware

Mentorship

Communication

System debugging

Education

BS/MS in Computer Science or Engineering

Tools

Docker

k3s / k3d

Job description

Shield AI in San Mateo, CA seeks an experienced Autonomous Pilot Integration engineer to own end-to-end autonomy software across programs for unmanned platforms. You will implement mission behaviors, control, and cross-machine coordination, with hands-on hardware-in-the-loop work.

You will mentor senior engineers, shape technical strategy, and collaborate with Autonomy and Perception teams to ensure rigorous, deployment-ready systems in dynamic environments.