Senior Autonomy Engineer - UAV Flight Systems

BlackCube Labs; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 163,200 - 244,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking an experienced Senior Engineer to help develop and field autonomy software for V‑BAT and X‑BAT platforms. You will work with cross‑functional teams to deliver mission‑ready autonomy, including multi‑agent coordination, sensor integration, and platform control.

You’ll mentor teammates, influence architecture, and support live flight tests, demonstrations, and deployments across U.S. and international operations.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years of relevant experience (or equivalent advanced degree experience).
• Strong C++ development experience in real-time or embedded systems.
• Experience with Linux-based development and embedded systems.
• Experience integrating complex software systems and troubleshooting across hardware/software boundaries.
• Experience supporting system integration, testing, or field events.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop & Field Autonomy – Develop and integrate autonomy software for V‑BAT and X‑BAT, including mission behaviors, platform‑specific control, payload and sensor integration, multi‑agent coordination, contingencies, and executive autonomy.
• Aircraft Team Partnership – Collaborate closely with the Aircraft team to integrate autonomy capabilities, validate platform interfaces, coordinate hardware/software compatibility, and support release readiness.
• Collaboration Across Teams & Partners – Partner with the Autonomy Capabilities, Perception, GCS, Strategic Systems (ACP), feature crews, and customer stakeholders to deliver integrated mission capabilities.
• Technical Leadership – Own significant features or subsystems, drive technical execution, mentor teammates, and contribute to design reviews and integration planning.
• Pre‑deployment Preparation – Build, configure, validate, and prepare mission‑ready systems while ensuring software, hardware, and operator workflows are ready for deployment.
• On‑site Test & Mission Support – Support flight tests, customer demonstrations, operator training, and deployment events through system bring‑up, troubleshooting, and mission execution.
• Hardware/Software Debugging – Diagnose integration issues across autonomy software, payload computers, embedded systems, and platform interfaces using simulation and operational testing.
• Mission Data & Continuous Improvement – Analyze mission data, drive root‑cause analysis, and build tools and processes that improve integration efficiency and mission reliability.
• C2 Interoperability & Standards – Implement and validate interfaces with GCS and command‑and‑control systems while supporting compliance with STANAG 4586, UCI, and OMS.
• Travel Requirement – Members of this team typically travel around 10–20% of the year to different office locations, customer sites, operator training events, flight tests, and integration exercises.

Skills

C++ development

Real-time systems

Embedded systems

Linux

System integration

Education

BS/MS in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Python

Docker

CMake/Conan

CI/CD

Job description

Shield AI is seeking an experienced Senior Engineer to help develop and field autonomy software for V‑BAT and X‑BAT platforms. You will work with cross‑functional teams to deliver mission‑ready autonomy, including multi‑agent coordination, sensor integration, and platform control.

You’ll mentor teammates, influence architecture, and support live flight tests, demonstrations, and deployments across U.S. and international operations.