Senior Software Engineer, Networking & OS (R5488)

Shield AI; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI seeks a V-BAT Network Engineer to design, implement, and optimize the network for our UAS deployments in demanding environments. You will ensure secure, low-latency communication between air and ground devices across GNSS-denied spaces.

The role requires strong networking fundamentals, experience with routing/switching, Linux, scripting, and programming in C/C++/Python, plus a track record of shipping real-time networked systems. This is a full-time, on-site position in Dallas.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher with 5+ years of relevant experience / Master’s with 4+ years / PhD with 2+ years
• Proven experience designing, implementing, and deploying network systems supporting real time applications
• Strong OSI layer 1-4 understanding and practical routing/switching experience

Responsibilities

• Design and implement network architectures for V-BAT with high performance, reliability, and security.
• Drive integration of V-BAT with external networks (ground radios, satellites).
• Develop and maintain network protocols and management systems for UAS operations.
• Optimize network performance for low bandwidth, high latency, high packet loss missions.
• Develop software to configure and provision networking equipment.

Skills

Network design

OSI 1-4

Routing & switching

DNS/DHCP

VPNs

BGP/OSPF/EIGRP

QoS

Wireshark

TCPDump

Linux scripting

C/C++/Python

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Wireshark

TCPDump

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai . Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn , X , Instagram , and YouTube .

Job Description

As a V-BAT Network Engineer, you will be instrumental in designing, implementing, and optimizing the network infrastructure for our Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) which is deployed in some of the most challenging environments worldwide. V-BAT is designed to operate in contested, GNSS-denied airspace, and our network must maintain highly reliable, secure, and efficient communication between all air and ground devices.

What you’ll do

• Design and implement network architectures for V-BAT, ensuring high performance, reliability, and security.
• Drive the integration of V-BAT with multiple external networks, such as ground-based radio and satellites.
• Develop and maintain communication protocols and network management systems for UAS operations.
• Optimize network performance for various mission profiles, including low bandwidth, high latency, and high packet loss missions.
• Develop software which implements, configures, and provisions networking equipment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including software engineers, hardware engineers, and operators to ensure comprehensive network solutions.
• Conduct testing and validation of network systems in lab and field environments.
• Stay current with advancements in network technologies and apply best practices to our systems.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of relevant experience, or Master’s with 4+ years, or PhD with 2+ years.
• Proven experience in designing, implementing, and deploying network systems which support real time applications.
• Strong understanding of the networking layers in the OSI model, especially layers 1-4.
• Knowledge of and experience with routing and switching concepts and protocols, such as DNS, DHCP, GRE, IPSEC, QoS, VLANs, BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, VPNs, QUIC.
• Proficiency in network simulation and analysis tools.
• Familiarity with network programming and tools (e.g. Wireshark, TCPDump).
• Experience with Linux, scripting, command line tools, etc.
• Experience developing C, C++, and/or Python software.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and design solutions which delight end users.
• Proven track record of successfully shipping products, showcasing the ability to navigate through development cycles, overcome obstacles, and deliver high-quality solutions to meet project deadlines and exceed expectations in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience developing networks for aerospace or autonomous systems.
• Expertise on network security, firewalls, public key infrastructure and industry best practices.
• Experience customizing, deploying, and maintaining Linux distributions created with Yocto on various hardware platforms.

$120,000 - $190,000 a year

#LC

Full-time regular employee offer package:

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:

Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits.

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.