Senior Autonomy Systems Lead for New Platforms

Shield AI; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 195,200 - 292,800; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI seeks an experienced autonomy leader to deliver cutting-edge autonomy across new platforms and mission areas. You will own end-to-end integration, from software-in-the-loop to live tests, coordinating with platform teams and customers to transition early R&D into scalable capabilities.

In this role you will guide a team through design reviews, platform interfaces, and mission deployment readiness, while mentoring engineers and driving continuous improvement across the autonomy stack.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in a relevant engineering discipline or equivalent practical experience.
• Typically requires 7+ years of relevant experience.
• Expert C++ and Linux development experience.
• Experience leading complex autonomy or systems integration efforts.
• Experience influencing technical direction across engineering teams.
• Experience operating successfully in ambiguous or rapidly evolving technical environments.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Responsibilities

• Stand Up New Programs – Lead technical efforts to establish autonomy on new platforms and leverage Shield AI capabilities.
• Navigate Ambiguity & Shifting Priorities – Adapt plans as programs evolve and balance priorities.
• Develop & Field Autonomy – Lead development and integration of autonomy software across emerging platforms.
• Technical Leadership – Lead feature crews, mentor engineers, remove obstacles, drive delivery.
• Platform Team Partnerships – Partner with platform engineering teams and ensure interface compatibility.
• Collaboration Across Teams & Partners – Coordinate with Autonomy Capabilities, Perception, GCS, and customer offices.
• Design & Documentation – Lead design reviews, ICD development, and engineering improvements.
• Pre‑deployment Preparation – Drive validation, integration, and mission readiness for deployments.
• On‑site Test & Mission Support – Provide technical leadership during live testing and demonstrations.
• Hardware/Software Debugging – Lead root‑cause analysis across autonomy stacks and interfaces.
• Mission Data & Debrief Support – Drive post‑mission analysis and improvements.
• Continuous Improvement – Improve processes, testing, and deployment workflows.
• C2 Interoperability & Standards – Drive interop standards across platforms.
• Travel Requirement – Expect 10–20% travel to offices and sites.

Skills

C++ development

Linux development

Leadership

Systems integration

Security clearance

Education

BS/MS in engineering

Tools

STANAG 4586

UCI/OMS

Job description

Shield AI seeks an experienced autonomy leader to deliver cutting-edge autonomy across new platforms and mission areas. You will own end-to-end integration, from software-in-the-loop to live tests, coordinating with platform teams and customers to transition early R&D into scalable capabilities.

In this role you will guide a team through design reviews, platform interfaces, and mission deployment readiness, while mentoring engineers and driving continuous improvement across the autonomy stack.