Senior Software Engineer (Autonomous Aircraft Integration)

Shield AI; Washington; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Coverage

Mental Health EAP

Paid Parental Leave

Pet Insurance

Flexible Hours

Onsite Gym

Gym Discount

Free Parking

Competitive Compensation

Stock Benefits

401K Matching

Job summary

Shield AI seeks a Flight Integration Engineer to bridge R&D and deployment, integrating autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems and ensuring mission readiness across hardware, software and control interfaces.

The role involves pre‑flight preparation, live flight test support, data analysis, and close collaboration with autonomy, GNC, systems and test teams. A BS/MS in a relevant field and 5+ years of experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Requires 5+ years with a BS; 4 years with MS; 2 years with PhD; or equivalent.
• Experience with simulation tools (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS) for testing and validation.
• Hands-on experience supporting flight demos or live exercises.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python; RTOS experience.
• Knowledge of sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware frameworks (ROS, DDS).

Responsibilities

• System Integration & Deployment — integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems.
• Pre-flight Preparation — own build/config/validation for flight-ready systems; ensure hardware/software compatibility.
• On-site Flight Test Support — travel to test sites and support live flight operations under time-critical constraints.
• Hardware/Software Debugging — diagnose and resolve integration issues in lab and field environments.
• Flight Data Capture & Analysis — manage data collection and post-test analysis for improvements.
• Collaboration Across Teams — work with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams to ensure timely delivery.
• Continuous Improvement — build tools and processes to improve integration timelines and test reliability.
• Support Certification and Compliance — assist with docs and system-level validation for certification.

Skills

Autonomy integration

Flight testing

Python

C++

ROS

DDS

RTOS

Sensor fusion

Education

BS in CS/EE/ME/Aerospace

Tools

ROS

DDS

Job description

• Shield AI is committed to developing cutting-edge autonomy for unmanned aircraft operating across all Department of Defense (DoD) domains, including air, sea, and land
• Our Flight Integration Engineers are essential to bridging the gap between R&D and deployment, ensuring that autonomous systems function reliably and effectively when and where they are needed most
• System Integration & Deployment — You’ll 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

Benefits

• Excellent Medical Coverage
• Mental Health Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Parental Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Flexible Work Hours
• Onsite Gym (DC)
• Gym Discount (San Diego)
• Free Parking
• Competitive Compensation
• Stock Benefits
• 401K Services and Match

This position is ideal for an individual who thrives on solving complex integration challenges that span hardware, software, and systems engineeringA 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 environmentsThe role is highly dynamic, requiring hands‑on experience, strong systems thinking, and the ability to operate effectively in fast‑paced, real‑world test conditionsStrong problem‑solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performanceProficiency in Linux‑based development and experience working with embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnosticsTypically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 4 years and a Master’s degree; or 2 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experienceExperience with simulation tools and environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS) for testing and validationAbility to obtain a SECRET clearanceBS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experienceHands‑on experience supporting flight demos or live exercisesKnowledge of sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware frameworks (e.g., ROS, DDS)Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environmentProficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Python, and familiarity with real‑time operating systems (RTOS)Familiarity with autonomy stacks, flight control systems, or GNC pipelinesDirect experience supporting unmanned aerial systems or similar flight test campaignsCompetence in sensor integration, electronics debugging, or avionics bring‑upProficiency in developing automation tools for system testing, logging, and data parsingComfortable interfacing with DoD stakeholders during field events or technical reviewsExperience with UCI and OMS Standards