Lead Autonomy Software Engineer

All Aviation Jobs; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 281,000 - 421,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a senior Autonomous Pilot Integration engineer to own the autonomy reference implementation across multiple unmanned programs, spanning air, maritime, space, and other effectors. You’ll drive cross‑team architecture, mentor engineers, and collaborate with external platform integrators to ensure robust fielded systems.

Responsibilities include building, validating, and deploying autonomy software, leading design reviews, and shaping technical strategy while traveling 10–20%

Qualifications

• BS/MS in CS/EE or equivalent practical experience.
• Typically requires 7+ years of related experience with degree; or 9+ years with MS; or 10+ with PhD.
• Proficiency in C++ for real-time or latency-sensitive systems.
• Experience with Linux, embedded systems, and diagnostics.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and field autonomy software onto unmanned platforms (air, maritime, space, or effects/expendables).
• Lead technical direction across multiple programs and set architecture patterns.
• Collaborate with external platform integrators and internal teams.
• Mentor senior engineers and shape team career progression.
• Drive design reviews, architecture docs, and post-mortems.
• Coordinate hardware/software validation and mission readiness.
• Travel to test sites and support live exercises.

Skills

C++ proficiency

Embedded systems

Linux development

Mentoring

Architecture leadership

Problem solving

Documentation

Communication

C2 standards

Python knowledge

Education

BS/MS in CS/EE or equivalent

Tools

Docker

k3s/k3d

Conan/CMake

DDS/middleware

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a senior Autonomous Pilot Integration engineer to own the autonomy reference implementation across multiple unmanned programs, spanning air, maritime, space, and other effectors. You’ll drive cross‑team architecture, mentor engineers, and collaborate with external platform integrators to ensure robust fielded systems.

Responsibilities include building, validating, and deploying autonomy software, leading design reviews, and shaping technical strategy while traveling 10–20%