Senior Autonomy Engineer — Maritime Multi-Agent Systems

Shield AI; San Diego (TX); On-site; USD 221,000 - 331,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking an experienced autonomy engineer to advance maritime autonomy for USVs, UUVs, and cooperating UAVs. You will develop capabilities beyond traditional motion planning, enabling teams to search, localize, and pursue targets while avoiding threats.

Expect hands-on integration with real platforms and multi-year program impact. The role blends theory and practical implementation across motion planning, localization, collaboration, and deployment.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in CS/EE/ME/AE or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python with RTOS familiarity.
• Background in robotics related to motion planning or autonomous design.
• Experience with unmanned systems and related algorithms; space domain preferred.
• Experience with simulation tools such as AFSIM and NGTS.

Responsibilities

• Robust motion planning for USV/UUV and cooperative UAVs with safety constraints.
• Localization and tracking using fusion modalities and sensor networks.
• Safe maritime operations with COLREGS adherence and operator trust.
• Develop distributed optimization and task allocation for multi-agent teams.
• Write high-performance, well-tested software for mid-to-high TRL insertions.
• Collaborate with perception, planning, simulation, hardware and test teams.
• Deploy capabilities to real surface vehicles and support demos and testing.
• Contribute to autonomy roadmaps by researching new algorithms and gaps.
• Travel ~25% to office locations, customer sites, and events.

Skills

C++

Python

RTOS

Robotics

Motion planning

Autonomy

Teamwork

Education

BS/MS in Computer Science / ECE / Mech Eng / Aero Eng or equivalent

Tools

AFSIM

NGTS

Job description

Shield AI is seeking an experienced autonomy engineer to advance maritime autonomy for USVs, UUVs, and cooperating UAVs. You will develop capabilities beyond traditional motion planning, enabling teams to search, localize, and pursue targets while avoiding threats.

Expect hands-on integration with real platforms and multi-year program impact. The role blends theory and practical implementation across motion planning, localization, collaboration, and deployment.