Lead Autonomy Software Engineer - UAV Flight Systems

Shieldai; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a senior engineer to develop and field autonomy software for V-BAT and X-BAT, including mission behaviors, platform-specific control, payload and sensor integration, and multi-agent coordination. You will own major features from software-in-the-loop through live flight testing, partnering with the Aircraft team and other stakeholders to deliver mission-ready autonomy.

This role requires technical leadership, mentorship, and contribution to design reviews, with travel roughly

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years of relevant experience (or equivalent advanced degree experience).
• Strong C++ development experience in real-time or embedded systems.
• Experience with Linux-based development and embedded systems.
• Experience integrating complex software systems and troubleshooting across hardware/software boundaries.
• Experience supporting system integration, testing, or field events.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
• Experience with unmanned aircraft or autonomous systems.
• Experience with autonomy software, robotics, or vehicle control.
• Experience with payload or sensor integration.
• Python, Docker, CMake/Conan, or CI/CD experience.
• Experience with military test events or defense customers.

Responsibilities

• Develop and field autonomy capabilities for V-BAT and X-BAT platforms.
• Collaborate with Aircraft team to integrate autonomy capabilities and validate interfaces.
• Partner with Autonomy Capabilities, Perception, GCS, and customer stakeholders to deliver mission capabilities.
• Own significant features or subsystems, drive execution, and participate in design reviews.
• Build, configure, validate, and prepare mission-ready systems for deployment.
• Support flight tests, customer demonstrations, and operator training.
• Diagnose integration issues across autonomy software, payload computers, and embedded systems.
• Analyze mission data and drive root-cause analysis to improve reliability.
• Ensure interfaces with GCS and command-and-control systems meet standards.

Skills

C++ programming

Autonomy systems experience

Python

Linux

Embedded systems

Mentoring teammates

Education

BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience

Tools

Docker

CMake/Conan

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a senior engineer to develop and field autonomy software for V-BAT and X-BAT, including mission behaviors, platform-specific control, payload and sensor integration, and multi-agent coordination. You will own major features from software-in-the-loop through live flight testing, partnering with the Aircraft team and other stakeholders to deliver mission-ready autonomy.

This role requires technical leadership, mentorship, and contribution to design reviews, with travel roughly