Senior Autonomy Engineer for Space Systems & Optimization

Shield; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 188,000 - 281,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Engineer to lead the design and delivery of autonomous capabilities for space and defense applications, including satellites and missile defense tasks. You will drive large‑scale optimization, tasking, and track fusion, while integrating solutions onto complex platforms.

You will collaborate with perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and flight test teams, delivering scalable autonomy solutions with a strong emphasis on real‑world impact and capable of

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent
• 7+ years with a Bachelor’s, 6 years with a Master’s, or 4 years with a PhD, or equivalent experience
• Proficiency in C++ and Python, plus RTOS familiarity
• Strong background in robotics areas: control systems, motion planning, optimization, and distributed decision‑making
• Experience with unmanned systems and related algorithms, space domain preferred
• Experience with simulation tools/environments (AFSIM, NGTS) for testing/validation
• Strong problem‑solving, troubleshooting, and performance optimization
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance or higher

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical delivery of autonomy capabilities across space and defense programs
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure seamless integration on real platforms
• Develop high‑performance software modules with robust interfaces and test coverage
• Advance state‑of‑the‑art through research, prototyping, and roadmapping of autonomy capabilities
• Guide customers in shaping requirements and technical approaches, driving execution

Skills

C++

Python

RTOS

Control systems

Motion planning

Unmanned systems

Optimization

Distributed decision-making

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in CS/EE/ME/Aerospace

Tools

AFSIM

NGTS

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Engineer to lead the design and delivery of autonomous capabilities for space and defense applications, including satellites and missile defense tasks. You will drive large‑scale optimization, tasking, and track fusion, while integrating solutions onto complex platforms.

You will collaborate with perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and flight test teams, delivering scalable autonomy solutions with a strong emphasis on real‑world impact and capable of