Senior Ground Control Station & C2 Software Engineer

Shield AI; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is hiring for a GCS/C2 software role focused on mission planning, command & control, and post-mission debrief tools. You will build high-performance GCS, extend QGroundControl, and translate autonomous capabilities into reliable control systems across mission domains.

You will mentor engineers and collaborate with autonomy teams, flight ops, and external partners. The role demands strong C++ and Qt/QML skills, full-stack/backend experience, and a track record of delivering major

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• 7+ years of related experience with a Bachelor's; or 6+ years with a Master's; or 4+ years with a PhD.
• Strong proficiency in C++ for multi-threaded desktop apps.
• Experience with Qt/QML and QGroundControl (QGC) or similar ground station software.
• Full-stack or backend experience in C/C++, Python, TS, or Go; service orchestration & data pipelines.
• Experience owning a major software capability from architecture to field delivery.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-performance GCS/C2 software focused on map-centric mission planning and real-time control.
• Architect UI/UX, client/server interfaces, and negotiate APIs and ICDs with partners.
• Mentor mid-level engineers and onboard new hires; collaborate across autonomy teams and flight ops.
• Drive design reviews, UI prototyping, testing, and rigorous coding standards.
• Own build, configuration, and validation for mission-ready ground stations and field ops.
• Travel 10–20% for field integration, demonstrations, and test events.

Skills

C++

Qt/QML

QGroundControl

Full-stack

Networking

Mentoring

System architecture

Education

BS/MS in CS/SE/CE

Tools

QGroundControl (QGC)

Map rendering / GIS

CICD tooling

Job description

Shield AI is hiring for a GCS/C2 software role focused on mission planning, command & control, and post-mission debrief tools. You will build high-performance GCS, extend QGroundControl, and translate autonomous capabilities into reliable control systems across mission domains.

You will mentor engineers and collaborate with autonomy teams, flight ops, and external partners. The role demands strong C++ and Qt/QML skills, full-stack/backend experience, and a track record of delivering major