Senior Autonomy Engineer — Pilot Integration & Field Ops

Shieldai; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking an experienced engineer to develop and field autonomy software for unmanned platforms across air, maritime, space, or effects/expendables. You will lead a small feature crew through design, integration, and delivery, partnering with Autonomy Capabilities and Perception teams as well as external platform integrators.

You will mentor engineers, drive design reviews, and own end-to-end validation from software-in-the-loop to live tests, including on-site mission support and

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical/Mechanical/Aerospace engineering or equivalent.
• 7+ years with a Bachelor’s or 5+ with a Master’s; or 4+ with a PhD; or equivalent.
• Proficiency in C++, and Linux-based development.
• Experience with autonomy/robotics middleware and DO‑D contexts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and field autonomy software onto unmanned platforms (air, maritime, space, or expendables).
• Lead a small feature crew or sub-program through design, integration, and delivery.
• Collaborate with Autonomy Capabilities, Perception, and external partners; negotiate ICDs.
• Mentor mid-level engineers and onboard new hires; drive design reviews and documentation.
• Own build, configuration, validation, and mission readiness for live tests.

Skills

C++

Python scripting

Linux development

Docker

Team leadership

Mentorship

Education

BS/MS in CS/EE/ME/Aerospace

Tools

k3s/k3d

Job description

Shield AI is seeking an experienced engineer to develop and field autonomy software for unmanned platforms across air, maritime, space, or effects/expendables. You will lead a small feature crew through design, integration, and delivery, partnering with Autonomy Capabilities and Perception teams as well as external platform integrators.

You will mentor engineers, drive design reviews, and own end-to-end validation from software-in-the-loop to live tests, including on-site mission support and