Principal Engineer, Software (R5284)

Shieldai; United States; On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI, located in the United States, is seeking a highly experienced software engineer for the Special Projects team focused on enhancing generative AI solutions. This role interfaces with the Chief Technology Officer and requires an extensive background in producing high-quality software, with a strong emphasis on user experience design.

The ideal candidate should possess both technical expertise and the ability to drive collaborative efforts across various teams, aiming to accelerate the development of resilient intelligent systems. Competitive salary and benefits are part of the offer.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience delivering large, production-quality software systems.
• Excellent grasp of software development principles with experience in languages like TypeScript, C++, Go, Python, Rust.
• Strong knowledge of modern software engineering best practices including Git and code-management tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and prototype generative AI experiences to accelerate autonomy development.
• Work closely with the Office of the CTO to crystallize the vision for Hivemind.
• Lead the user experience design of Hivemind Generative AI.

Job description

Shield AI is a venture‑backed defense‑tech company founded in 2015 that develops autonomous software solutions. The company’s flagship Hivemind platform includes four core products: EdgeOS, Pilot, Forge, and Commander, each designed to support resilient intelligent teaming for aircraft.

Job Description

The Special Projects team works directly under the Chief Technology Officer and collaborates with cross‑functional engineering groups. Team members contribute to all Hivemind products while driving technology strategy and accelerating low‑TRL solutions. The role is highly collaborative, operating in ambiguity, and serves as a pipeline for product and solution engineering talent.

Responsibilities

• Design and prototype generative AI experiences to accelerate autonomy development.
• Work closely with the Office of the CTO to crystallize the vision and documentation for the Hivemind product.
• Lead the user experience design of Hivemind Generative AI.
• Collaborate with technical leads of Hivemind Commander and Hivemind Design to enhance user experience of their products.
• Conduct user research to understand user personas and needs.
• Investigate competing products, synthesize findings, and present recommendations to engineering and product leadership.

Required Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience delivering large, production‑quality software systems.
• Excellent grasp of software development principles with high productivity in a mainstream language (e.g., TypeScript, C++, Go, Python, Rust).
• Strong knowledge of modern software engineering best practices; experience with Git and code‑management tools; sound software hygiene regarding documentation, unit testing, and bug tracking.
• 5+ years of experience with React/Node/TypeScript/JavaScript.
• 5+ years of experience with web‑application development (front‑end or full‑stack).
• Deep understanding of full‑stack web development, including the DOM, browser APIs, standards, semantics, WebSockets, HTTP streaming, SSE, and client‑side state management.
• Experience with multi‑modal input handling (text, files, images, audio) and client‑side large‑language‑model context management.
• Fluid intelligence that allows effective operation in ambiguous conditions while seeking opportunities to drive technical efforts.
• Experience with Linux, Docker, and CI/CD environments.
• Hands‑on experience with a major cloud platform (Azure, GCP, AWS).
• This role requires travel to a Shield AI location 1–3 times per quarter.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with geospatial data and WebGL.
• Experience with Playwright UI testing.
• Experience with Electron (or similar).
• Building debugging/inspection UIs for generative AI systems.
• Experience with user‑experience design for video games.
• Experience designing for low‑code or no‑code systems.
• Comfort reading C++, Python, or TypeScript.

Compensation & Benefits

Full‑time regular employee offer includes salary within the listed range, bonus, benefits, and equity.

Temporary employee offer includes salary within the listed range, plus a temporary benefits package applicable after 60 days of employment.

Salary compensation is influenced by factors such as skill set, level of experience, licenses, 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.

Equal Opportunity

Shield AI is proud to be an equal‑opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal 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.