Senior Autonomy Pilot Integration Engineer

Shield; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits

Equity

Bonus

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking an Autonomous Pilot Integration engineer to design, integrate, and field autonomy software for unmanned platforms. You will lead small teams, work with multiple capability groups, and interface with external partners to deliver major capabilities end-to-end.

The role emphasizes hands-on development, mission readiness, and mentoring engineers, with travel to test sites and live operations as needed.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent.
• Minimum experience as stated: 4+ years with PhD, 5+ with Master, or 7+ with Bachelor.
• Proficiency in C++, Linux-based development, embedded systems, and diagnostics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and field autonomy software onto unmanned platforms across air, maritime, space or related domains.
• Lead a small feature crew or sub-program through design, integration, and delivery.
• Collaborate with Autonomy Capabilities, Perception, and external platform partners; negotiate interfaces.
• Mentor mid-level engineers and onboard new hires.
• Drive design reviews, ICDs, and post-mortems to raise rigor and process quality.
• Coordinate hardware/software compatibility, mission readiness, and release cadence.
• Travel 10–20% for test sites, integration events, and operations.
• Own interface contracts with C2 providers and ensure adherence to standards.

Skills

C++

Linux

Embedded systems

Mentoring engineers

Communication

Education

BS/MS in Computer Science / Electrical/Mechanical/Aerospace

Tools

Docker

K3s

K3d

DDS / IPC frameworks

Job description

Shield AI is seeking an Autonomous Pilot Integration engineer to design, integrate, and field autonomy software for unmanned platforms. You will lead small teams, work with multiple capability groups, and interface with external partners to deliver major capabilities end-to-end.

The role emphasizes hands-on development, mission readiness, and mentoring engineers, with travel to test sites and live operations as needed.