Senior Autonomy Engineer: Emerging-Domain Platforms

Shield; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking an experienced autonomy engineer to stand up and field autonomy capabilities across emerging-domain platforms. The role involves integrating Shield AI capabilities with platform-specific software and validating performances through multi-level testing.

You will work cross-functionally with platform teams, Perception, GCS, and customer programs to deliver mission-ready autonomy solutions.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in a relevant engineering discipline or equivalent practical experience.
• Typically requires 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and Linux-based development.
• Experience integrating embedded or real-time software systems.
• Experience supporting integration, testing, or operational field events.
• Strong systems-level problem-solving skills.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Responsibilities

• Stand up new autonomy capabilities on emerging platforms by integrating existing Shield AI capabilities with platform-specific software and developing new autonomy where needed.
• Develop and field autonomy software onto emerging-domain platforms, including platform and autopilot integration, payload and sensor integration, mission behaviors, multi-agent coordination, and validation through software-, hardware-, vehicle-, and live testing.
• Partner closely with platform teams to integrate autonomy capabilities, validate interfaces, coordinate hardware/software compatibility, and support mission readiness.
• Collaborate across the Autonomy Capabilities, Perception, GCS teams, feature crews, and customer/program offices to deliver integrated autonomy solutions.
• Contribute to design reviews, ICDs, integration planning, and post-mortems while improving engineering rigor across teams.
• Build, configure, validate, and prepare mission-ready systems while coordinating release readiness with platform and capability teams.
• Support flight tests, maritime trials, ground testing, customer demonstrations, and operational exercises through system bring-up, troubleshooting, and mission execution.
• Diagnose and resolve integration issues across autonomy software, payload computers, embedded systems, and platform interfaces.
• Capture mission data, reproduce issues in simulation, and partner with capability owners to rapidly improve future releases.
• Develop tools and engineering processes that improve integration velocity, testing reliability, and mission readiness.
• Implement and validate interfaces with command-and-control systems while supporting program-appropriate interoperability standards.
• Travel typically 10–20% of the year to different office locations, customer sites, operator training events, flight tests, and integration exercises.

Skills

C++ proficiency

Linux development

Embedded systems

Field testing

Security clearance

Education

BS/MS in engineering

Tools

Python

Docker

Job description

Shield AI is seeking an experienced autonomy engineer to stand up and field autonomy capabilities across emerging-domain platforms. The role involves integrating Shield AI capabilities with platform-specific software and validating performances through multi-level testing.

You will work cross-functionally with platform teams, Perception, GCS, and customer programs to deliver mission-ready autonomy solutions.