Senior Engineer, Software Integration Engineer (R5462)

Shieldai; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI in San Diego is seeking a Senior Software Integration Engineer to lead the integration of Hivemind autonomy onto expeditionary and operation platforms. You will design interfaces connecting autonomy with vehicle subsystems, mission computers, payloads, sensors, and communications.

This role covers interface design, SIL/HIL/VIL validation, deployments, and mentoring of junior engineers, with opportunities to drive best practices across hardware, software, and networks.

Qualifications

• BS in CS or engineering field required.
• 4–7 years of experience in integration and testing of robotics, autonomy, aerospace, or similar complex systems.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python, and familiarity with RTOS.
• Proficiency in Linux-based development.
• Experience integrating complex software systems with vehicle platforms, mission computing environments, payloads, sensors, and communications systems.
• Experience with sensor integration and middleware framework like ROS.
• Hands-on experience supporting field tests, demonstrations, or operational events.
• Strong systems engineering and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead integration of Hivemind autonomy onto expeditionary and expeditionary operations platforms.
• Develop and maintain software interfaces between autonomy, vehicle subsystems, autopilots, payloads, mission computers, and platform services.
• Configure Linux mission-computing environments, middleware, containers, and deployment pipelines.
• Integrate sensors, payloads, radios, tactical networks, ground control stations, and mission systems.
• Develop reusable platform onboarding frameworks, interface adapters, and deployment mechanisms.
• Support SIL, HIL, VIL, and representative integration environments to reduce integration risk before flight.
• Lead debugging across hardware, embedded software, networking, and autonomy interfaces.
• Coordinate integration activities across autonomy, systems engineering, flight test, program leadership, and external partners.
• Mentor junior engineers and drive engineering best practices.

Skills

C++

Python

RTOS

Linux

ROS

System integration

Debugging

Mentoring

Education

BS in CS

Engineering degree

Tools

ArduPilot

PX4

ROS

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-BATaircraft, 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:

The Systems & Platform Integration team serves as the engineering bridge between Hivemind autonomy and operational platforms across Shield AI's Expeditionary and Emerging Operations portfolio. Our mission is to rapidly enable new platform adoption by developing the interfaces, configurations, and integration frameworks required to deploy autonomy capabilities across a diverse portfolio that includes XBAT, VBAT, Weapons, Space, Congested Logistics, and Maritime initiatives.

As a Senior Software Integration Engineer, you will lead the integration of Hivemind autonomy onto a diverse portfolio of operational platforms. You will design and implement the software interfaces that connect autonomy with platform control systems, mission computers, payloads, sensors, and communications while resolving complex integration challenges across software, hardware, and networking.

You will own integrations throughout their lifecycle—from interface design and implementation through validation in Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), and Vehicle-in-the-Loop (VIL) environments to successful demonstrations and operational deployments. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys solving complex cross-disciplinary integration challenges and wants to see autonomy capabilities transition from development into operational use.

• Lead integration of Hivemind autonomy onto expeditionary and expeditionary operations platforms.
• Develop and maintain software interfaces between autonomy, vehicle subsystems, autopilots, payloads, mission computers, and platform services.
• Configure Linux mission-computing environments, middleware, containers, and deployment pipelines.
• Integrate sensors, payloads, radios, tactical networks, ground control stations, and mission systems.
• Develop reusable platform onboarding frameworks, interface adapters, and deployment mechanisms.
• Support SIL, HIL, VIL, and representative integration environments to reduce integration risk before flight.
• Lead debugging across hardware, embedded software, networking, and autonomy interfaces.
• Support demonstrations, exercises, surrogate operations, and customer events.
• Coordinate integration activities across autonomy, systems engineering, flight test, program leadership, and external partners.
• Mentor junior engineers and drive engineering best practices.

• BS in Computer Science, Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 4–7 years of experience in integration and testing of robotics, autonomy, aerospace, or similar complex systems.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Python, and familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Proficiency in Linux-based development.
• Experience integrating complex software systems with vehicle platforms, mission computing environments, payloads, sensors, and communications systems.
• Experience with sensor integration and middleware framework like ROS.
• Hands‑on experience supporting field tests, demonstrations, or operational events.
• Strong systems engineering and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.

• Experience with flight control systems such as ArduPilot or PX4.
• Experience with unmanned aerial systems (fixed-wing, quadrotor, or both)
• Background in autonomy, robotics, or aerospace systems
• Familiarity with flight controllers, radios, and communications systems
• CI/CD experience

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 toequal 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.