Lead Autonomy Flight Systems Engineer

Shield AI; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 195,000 - 293,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

Shield AI is a defense‑tech company delivering autonomy software and hardware solutions for launched effects platforms. We seek a seasoned leader to drive end‑to‑end autonomy capabilities, from software integration to field deployment, collaborating with autonomy, perception, and hardware teams.

You will mentor engineers, shape technical direction, and ensure readiness for fleet deployments. Strong C++/Linux and autonomy integration experience, plus the ability to obtain a SECRET clearance and

Qualifications

• BS/MS in a relevant engineering discipline or equivalent practical experience.
• Typically requires 7+ years of relevant experience.
• Expert C++ and Linux development experience.
• Experience leading complex autonomy or embedded software integration efforts.
• Experience influencing technical direction across multiple engineering teams.
• Experience supporting operational test events or customer deployments.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical delivery of major autonomy capabilities and coordinate cross‑functional execution.
• Develop and integrate autonomy software onto launched effects platforms and fleets.
• Serve as primary technical interface with cross‑functional teams and partners; influence interfaces and integration.
• Lead design reviews, architecture decisions, and repeatable integration practices.
• Drive mission readiness and validation for capability releases and deployments.
• Provide on‑site test leadership during flight tests and demonstrations.
• Lead root‑cause analysis across autonomy software, hardware, and networking.
• Analyze mission data and coordinate corrective actions across teams.
• Build tools and processes to improve deployment velocity and reliability.

Skills

C++

Linux

Autonomy software

Leadership

Education

BS/MS in engineering

Tools

PX4

ArduPilot

Embedded systems

Job description

Shield AI is a defense‑tech company delivering autonomy software and hardware solutions for launched effects platforms. We seek a seasoned leader to drive end‑to‑end autonomy capabilities, from software integration to field deployment, collaborating with autonomy, perception, and hardware teams.

You will mentor engineers, shape technical direction, and ensure readiness for fleet deployments. Strong C++/Linux and autonomy integration experience, plus the ability to obtain a SECRET clearance and