Lead Autonomy & Multi-Agent Behaviors Engineer

Socket.dev; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 190,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI, a defense-tech innovator, is hiring an Autonomy Engineer to design and implement tactical autonomy algorithms enabling unmanned aircraft across air, land, and sea domains with minimal supervision.

The role emphasizes high‑performance software, multi‑agent coordination, and integration of learning-based methods with classic autonomy, plus deployment to real platforms and field testing; travel 10–15% expected; SECRET clearance required.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in CS/EE/ME/Aerospace or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience
• Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 9 years and a Master’s degree; or 7 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python, and familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS)
• Significant robotics background in motion planning, behavior modeling, decision-making, or autonomous system design
• Significant experience with unmanned system technologies (air domain) and related algorithms
• Experience with simulation tools/environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS) for testing/validation
• Strong problem-solving skills; ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills; ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance

Responsibilities

• Design tactical autonomy algorithms for unmanned aircraft across air, land, and sea with minimal supervision
• Develop high-performance software modules for planning, decision-making, and behavior execution in dynamic environments
• Implement and test multi-agent behavior architectures for coordination, engagement, reconnaissance, and survivability

Skills

C++

Python

RTOS

Robotics

Unmanned systems

Simulation tools

Education

BS/MS in CS/EE/ME/Aerospace or equivalent

Tools

AFSIM

NGTS

Job description

Shield AI, a defense-tech innovator, is hiring an Autonomy Engineer to design and implement tactical autonomy algorithms enabling unmanned aircraft across air, land, and sea domains with minimal supervision.

The role emphasizes high‑performance software, multi‑agent coordination, and integration of learning-based methods with classic autonomy, plus deployment to real platforms and field testing; travel 10–15% expected; SECRET clearance required.