Senior Software Engineer, Autonomous Aircraft Systems

F7d8749a; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking an experienced professional to integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems and own the build, configuration, and validation for flight-ready systems. You will travel to test sites to support live flight operations, perform safety checks, and troubleshoot under time-critical constraints.

You will diagnose hardware/software integration issues, manage flight data collection and analysis, and collaborate with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams to ensure

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in CS/EE/Mech/Aerospace or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of related experience with a Bachelor's; 4 years with a Master's; 2 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python; familiarity with RTOS.
• Proficiency in Linux-based development; experience with embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics.
• Knowledge of sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware frameworks (ROS, DDS).
• Hands-on experience supporting flight demos or live exercises.
• Experience with simulation tools/environments (AFSIM, NGTS).
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

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, refining behaviors and identifying improvements.
• Collaboration Across Teams — Work with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams to ensure mission-critical functionality is delivered on time and validated.
• Continuous Improvement — Build tools and processes to improve integration timelines, flight test reliability, and team efficiency.
• Support Certification and Compliance — Assist with documentation and system-level validation required for certification, airworthiness, and compliance in defense environments.
• Travel Requirement — 30-40% travel to different office locations, customer sites, and flight integration events.

Skills

C++

Python

RTOS

Linux

Shell scripting

Sensor fusion

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or equivalent

Tools

ROS

DDS

AFSIM

NGTS

Job description

Shield AI is seeking an experienced professional to integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems and own the build, configuration, and validation for flight-ready systems. You will travel to test sites to support live flight operations, perform safety checks, and troubleshoot under time-critical constraints.

You will diagnose hardware/software integration issues, manage flight data collection and analysis, and collaborate with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams to ensure