Senior Autonomy Software Engineer – Flight Systems

Shield AI; Washington (Washington County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking an experienced engineer to develop and integrate autonomy software for launched aviation platforms, including payload bring-up and autopilot integration (PX4, ArduPilot). You will own major features, mentor teammates, and collaborate with multiple teams and customers to deliver robust autonomy capabilities.

The role involves on-site test and mission support, hardware/software debugging, and coordinating hardware compatibility for fleet-scale deployments while maintaining

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master degree in a technical field (CS/EE/AE/Mechanical) or equivalent practical experience.
• Typically 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and experience with real-time or embedded systems.
• Experience with Linux-based development and embedded systems.
• Experience integrating complex software and hardware systems.
• Experience supporting system integration, testing, or field events.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and field autonomy software solutions for launched platforms, including payload bring-up and autopilot integration.
• Lead major features or subsystems and mentor teammates.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and partners to deliver autonomy capabilities.
• Contribute to design reviews, ICDs, integration planning, and post-mortems.
• Prepare mission-ready systems for capability releases and deployments.
• Support on-site testing, flight demonstrations, and field operations.
• Diagnose and resolve integration issues across software and hardware.

Skills

C++

Embedded systems

Linux

System integration

Testing & field events

Security clearance

Education

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

Tools

PX4

ArduPilot

Python

Docker

CMake/Conan

CI/CD

Job description

Shield AI is seeking an experienced engineer to develop and integrate autonomy software for launched aviation platforms, including payload bring-up and autopilot integration (PX4, ArduPilot). You will own major features, mentor teammates, and collaborate with multiple teams and customers to deliver robust autonomy capabilities.

The role involves on-site test and mission support, hardware/software debugging, and coordinating hardware compatibility for fleet-scale deployments while maintaining