Senior Autonomy Software Engineer – Multi-Agent Systems

Shield AI; San Mateo, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 281,000 - 421,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI seeks an experienced autonomy engineer to design and implement tactical autonomy for unmanned aircraft. You will develop high-performance software for planning and decision-making, and test multi-agent coordination in adversarial environments.

The role blends traditional autonomy with learning-based methods, collaborating across perception, planning, simulation, and flight-test teams. A SECRET clearance is required or obtainable based on eligibility.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Typically requires 7–10+ years of related experience with varying education levels.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python, and familiarity with RTOS.
• Strong robotics background in motion planning, behavior modeling, or autonomous system design.
• Experience with unmanned system technologies (air domain) and related algorithms.
• Experience with simulation tools such as AFSIM and NGTS.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork; ability to obtain SECRET clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design tactical autonomy algorithms for unmanned aircraft across domains with minimal supervision.
• Develop high-performance software modules for planning, decision-making, and behavior execution.
• Implement and test multi-agent behavior architectures for coordination and engagement.
• Blend traditional autonomy with machine learning approaches for robust behavior.
• Collaborate with perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and flight test teams for integration.
• Deploy autonomy capabilities to real platforms and participate in field tests and demos.
• Analyze mission data to diagnose failures and inform iterative development.
• Contribute to the autonomy roadmap through R&D and prototyping.

Skills

C++

Python

RTOS

Robotics

Unmanned systems

Simulation tools

Education

BS/MS in CS/EE/ME/Aerospace or equivalent

Tools

AFSIM

NGTS

Job description

Shield AI seeks an experienced autonomy engineer to design and implement tactical autonomy for unmanned aircraft. You will develop high-performance software for planning and decision-making, and test multi-agent coordination in adversarial environments.

The role blends traditional autonomy with learning-based methods, collaborating across perception, planning, simulation, and flight-test teams. A SECRET clearance is required or obtainable based on eligibility.