Senior Autonomy Engineer – Maritime Multi-Agent Systems

Shield AI; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 221,000 - 331,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Senior Staff Engineer to lead the autonomy portfolio for maritime and multi-agent platforms. You will shape architecture and drive evolution of autonomy, blending theory with pragmatic, real-world deployment.

You’ll mentor engineers, decompose complex customer needs into tangible design approaches, and collaborate with perception, planning, and hardware teams to deliver integrated autonomy solutions across platforms.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in CS/EE/ME/AE or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum 7–10 years of related experience depending on degree.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python; familiarity with RTOS.
• Background in robotics: motion planning, behavior modeling, decision-making, or autonomous system design.
• Experience with unmanned system technologies and related algorithms (space domain preferred).
• Experience with simulation tools (AFSIM, NGTS) for testing/validation.
• Strong problem-solving and teamwork skills in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Ability to obtain SECRET clearance.

Responsibilities

• Robust Motion Planning for USV/UUV/multi-agent platforms with safety constraints.
• Localization and tracking using fusion modalities and observability-aware maneuvering.
• Safe Maritime Operations aligning with COLREGS and operator trust.
• Develop distributed optimization and task allocation for heterogeneous teams.
• Rigorous software development with clear interfaces and mid-to-high TRL insertions.
• Cross-functional collaboration with perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and tests.
• Deploy autonomy capabilities to real-world platforms and analyze mission logs.
• Participate in R&D and road-mapping to advance Shield AI’s autonomy.
• Travel ~25% to offices, sites, and events.

Skills

Motion planning

Behavior modeling

Decision making

Autonomous systems design

Swarm robotics

Education

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

Tools

C++

Python

RTOS

AFSIM

NGTS

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Senior Staff Engineer to lead the autonomy portfolio for maritime and multi-agent platforms. You will shape architecture and drive evolution of autonomy, blending theory with pragmatic, real-world deployment.

You’ll mentor engineers, decompose complex customer needs into tangible design approaches, and collaborate with perception, planning, and hardware teams to deliver integrated autonomy solutions across platforms.