Manager, Autonomy Capabilities

Shieldai; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI seeks an experienced Autonomy Engineer to lead cross-functional teams developing autonomy algorithms for advanced aerospace, defense, and robotic systems. You will supervise the integration and testing of autonomy software across multiple platforms, ensuring mission-focused execution.

The role requires 10+ years in autonomy algorithm development, 2+ years of team management, and strong C++/Python skills with RTOS familiarity; a SECRET clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of experience developing and integrating autonomy algorithms in robotics, aerospace, or defense systems.
• 2+ years managing technical teams.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python, and familiarity with RTOS.
• Significant background in robotics technologies related to sensing, estimation, path planning, and data fusion.
• Significant experience with unmanned system technologies and accompanying algorithms (specifically air domain).
• Experience with simulation tools/environments (AFSIM, NGTS) for testing/validation.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Responsibilities

• Multidisciplinary Team Leadership: Lead teams across autonomy, integration, and testing; align technical efforts and drive mission-focused execution.
• Autonomy Development: Lead teams at the intersection of AI, task & motion planning, and controls; write autonomous behaviors for aircraft platforms.
• Collaboration: Architect solutions, set software standards, mentor engineers, and work with SMEs to understand customer needs.
• System Integration: Integrate Shield AI autonomy products with third-party systems.

Skills

C++

Python

RTOS

Robotics sensing/estimation

Unmanned systems (air domain)

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics

Tools

AFSIM

NGTS

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

This position is perfect for an individual who enjoys solving the most complex problems across a portfolio of diverse domains and modalities. An ideal candidate is expected to apply classical autonomous techniques, algorithms, and theory to various platforms in multiple tactical scenarios. These solutions are expected to be integrated into real-world problems with near-term program impacts and rewards. In this role, you will manage a technical team supporting the development, testing, and analysis of autonomy algorithms for advanced aerospace, defense, and robotic systems.

Shield AI is looking to continue to push the envelope by teaming traditional autonomous systems algorithms and deep reinforcement learning-based solutions to create an unmatched capability and speed to deployment technology base.

• Multidisciplinary Team Leadership: Lead teams across autonomy, integration, and testing by aligning technical efforts, resolving cross-functional challenges, and driving mission-focused execution. Balance hands-on technical oversight with performance optimization, innovation, and clear stakeholder communication.
• Autonomy Development: As an Autonomy Engineer on this team, you will lead teams at the intersection of artificial intelligence, task & motion planning, and controls. Write autonomous behaviors for varying aircraft platforms (i.e., VTOL and Fixed Wing)
• Collaboration: You will work closely with talented engineers to architect solutions, set standards for software engineering, drive strategic technical improvements, and mentor other engineers. Work with Subject Matter Experts to understand customer needs and implement appropriate autonomy solutions
• System Integration: Integrate Shield AI autonomy products together with third party systems
• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of experience developing and integrating autonomy algorithms in robotics, aerospace, or defense systems.
• 2+ years managing technical teams.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Python, and familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Significant background in robotics technologies related to sensing, estimation, path planning, and data fusion.
• Significant experience with unmanned system technologies and accompanying algorithms (specifically air domain)
• Experience with simulation tools and environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS) for testing and validation.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
• Mathematical background in both linear/nonlinear control theory and autonomous systems technologies/algorithms
• Demonstrated problem solving skills by applying a scientific approach
• Ability to understand, derive, and implement motion models and accompanying controllers for trajectory generation and tracking.
• Experience with UCI and OMS Standards
• Active SECRET clearance

Full-time regular employee offer package:

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:

Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed toequal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.