Senior Engineer, Software - Autonomous Aircraft Integration (R5200)

Shieldai; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Equity

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Systems Engineer in Washington, DC, to integrate autonomy solutions for unmanned platforms. The ideal candidate will have a relevant engineering degree and practical experience in deployment and troubleshooting. Responsibilities include system integration, pre-flight preparation, and supporting live tests.

This role offers a full-time position with comprehensive compensation benefits including salary, bonuses, and equity opportunities.

Join a mission-driven company poised to change defense technology.

Qualifications

• 5 years experience with a Bachelor's degree, or equivalent.
• Hands-on experience supporting flight demos.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Responsibilities

• Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems.
• Support live flight operations including troubleshooting.
• Manage data collection during missions.

Skills

C++ programming

Python programming

Real-time operating systems (RTOS)

Linux-based development

Sensor integration

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Education

BS/MS in relevant engineering fields

Tools

Embedded systems

Simulation tools (AFSIM, NGTS)

Job description

About Shield AI

Founded in 2015, 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 and V‑BAT and X‑BAT aircraft. 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.

Role Overview

This position is ideal for an individual who thrives on solving complex integration challenges that span hardware, software, and systems engineering. A successful candidate will be skilled at deploying autonomy solutions onto unmanned platforms, preparing systems for flight, and troubleshooting mission‑critical issues in both lab and field environments. The role is highly dynamic, requiring hands‑on experience, strong systems thinking, and the ability to operate effectively in fast‑paced, real‑world test conditions.

Responsibilities

• System Integration & Deployment – Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems, ensuring seamless operation across onboard compute, sensors, and control interfaces.
• Pre‑flight Preparation – Own the build, configuration, and validation process for flight‑ready systems; coordinate hardware/software compatibility and mission readiness.
• On‑site Flight Test Support – Travel to test sites and support live flight operations, including safety checks, system bring‑up, and troubleshooting under time‑critical constraints.
• Hardware/Software Debugging – Diagnose and resolve integration issues across complex autonomy software stacks and embedded systems in lab and field environments.
• Flight Data Capture & Analysis – Manage data collection during missions and post‑test analysis, working with autonomy engineers to refine behaviors and identify improvements.
• Collaboration Across Teams – Work closely with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams to ensure mission‑critical functionality is delivered on time and validated thoroughly.
• Continuous Improvement – Build tools and processes to improve integration timelines, flight test reliability, and team efficiency across deployment cycles.
• Support Certification and Compliance – Assist with documentation and system‑level validation required for certification, airworthiness, and compliance in defense‑relevant environments.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience.
• Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; 4 years with a Master’s degree; or 2 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Python, and familiarity with real‑time operating systems (RTOS).
• Proficiency in Linux‑based development and experience working with embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics.
• Knowledge of sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware frameworks (e.g., ROS, DDS).
• Hands‑on experience supporting flight demos or live exercises.
• Experience with simulation tools and environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS) for testing and validation.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
• Direct experience supporting unmanned aerial systems or similar flight test campaigns.
• Familiarity with autonomy stacks, flight control systems, or GNC pipelines.
• Competence in sensor integration, electronics debugging, or avionics bring‑up.
• Proficiency in developing automation tools for system testing, logging, and data parsing.
• Comfortable interfacing with DoD stakeholders during field events or technical reviews.
• Experience with UCI and OMS Standards.
• Travel requirement – Members of this team typically travel around 30‑40% of the year (to different office locations, customer sites, and flight integration events).

Compensation & Benefits

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. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

Equal Opportunity

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.