Senior Autonomy Software Engineer

Shield AI; San Mateo (CA); Hybrid; USD 196,000 - 294,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI seeks an experienced engineer to advance autonomy capabilities for unmanned platforms. You will design and implement autonomy features that operate across air, land, and sea domains, balancing theory and practical deployment.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to validate performance in field tests and adapt to evolving mission requirements. The role requires strong C++/Python skills, RTOS familiarity, and experience with simulation tools such as AFSIM or NGTS.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in CS/EE/ME/AE or equivalent practical experience.

Responsibilities

• Design tactical autonomy algorithms for unmanned aircraft across air, land, and sea with minimal supervision.
• Develop high-performance software modules for planning, decision-making, and behavior execution.
• Implement and test behavior architectures for multi-agent coordination and engagement.
• Integrate autonomy with machine learning, blending rule-based and learning methods.
• Collaborate with perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and flight test teams for real-world integration.
• Deploy autonomy capabilities to platforms and participate in field tests and demos.
• Analyze mission data to diagnose failures and optimize models.
• Contribute to autonomy roadmap by researching new algorithms and cap gaps.
• Support defense-focused programs by adapting solutions to feedback.

Skills

C++

Python

RTOS

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

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

Tools

AFSIM

NGTS

Job description

Shield AI seeks an experienced engineer to advance autonomy capabilities for unmanned platforms. You will design and implement autonomy features that operate across air, land, and sea domains, balancing theory and practical deployment.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to validate performance in field tests and adapt to evolving mission requirements. The role requires strong C++/Python skills, RTOS familiarity, and experience with simulation tools such as AFSIM or NGTS.