Senior Autonomy Software Engineer - Flight Systems

Shield

Arlington (VA)

On-site

USD 140,000 - 180,000

Full time

6 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

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Job summary

Shield AI in Arlington, VA is seeking a Senior Engineer to develop autonomy capabilities for V-BAT and X-BAT and lead major features from software-in-the-loop to live flight testing. You will partner with Aircraft, Autonomy Capabilities, Perception, GCS, and customer stakeholders to deliver mission-ready autonomy software and solve complex integration challenges.

This hands-on role requires real-time C++/embedded experience, systems integration, and occasional travel to offices and customer

Qualifications

BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
5+ years of relevant 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 (e.g., ViDAR, EO/IR), multi-agent coordination, contingencies, and executive autonomy. Own major features from software-in-the-loop through live flight testing.
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.