Senior Autonomy Software Engineer — Embedded Flight Systems

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

Job summary

Shield AI is hiring an Autonomous Software Engineer to develop and integrate autonomy capabilities for launched effects platforms. You will own major features from design through live flight testing, collaborating with Autonomy Capabilities, Perception, and customer teams to deliver mission-ready autonomy software.

The role emphasizes hands-on engineering, integration with autopilot stacks (PX4/ArduPilot), and operating in demanding real-world environments.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• Typically 5+ years of relevant experience or equivalent advanced degree experience.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and real-time or embedded systems.
• Experience with Linux-based development and embedded systems.
• Experience integrating complex software and hardware systems.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop & Field Autonomy – create and integrate autonomy software onto launched effects platforms.
• Technical Leadership – own major features, mentor teammates, drive execution.
• Collaboration Across Teams – partner with Autonomy Capabilities, Perception, and customers.
• Design & Documentation – contribute to design reviews and integration planning.
• Pre-deployment Preparation – prepare mission-ready systems for releases and deployments.
• On-site Test & Mission Support – travel for test sites and live demonstrations.
• Hardware/Software Debugging – diagnose issues across software and hardware interfaces.
• Mission Data & Debrief – capture data, reproduce issues, drive improvements.
• Continuous Improvement – develop tools to improve timelines and reliability.
• C2 Interoperability – validate interfaces with C2 providers and standards.

Skills

C++

Embedded systems

Linux development

Real-time software

Debugging

Education

BS/MS in CS/EE/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

PX4

ArduPilot

Python

Docker

CMake/Conan

CI/CD

Job description

Shield AI is hiring an Autonomous Software Engineer to develop and integrate autonomy capabilities for launched effects platforms. You will own major features from design through live flight testing, collaborating with Autonomy Capabilities, Perception, and customer teams to deliver mission-ready autonomy software.

The role emphasizes hands-on engineering, integration with autopilot stacks (PX4/ArduPilot), and operating in demanding real-world environments.