Senior Software Engineer (Autonomous Pilot Integration)

Shield AI; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent Medical Coverage

401K Services and Match

Stock Benefits

Flexible Work Hours

Job summary

Shield AI in San Mateo, CA, is seeking an experienced systems integration engineer to deploy autonomy software on unmanned aircraft, own flight-ready build processes, and support live flight tests. You will debug across hardware and software, capture flight data, and collaborate with autonomy, GNC, and test teams to validate complex systems.

The role requires hands-on experience with Linux, C++, Python, and autonomy stacks, plus the ability to travel to test sites and interact with DoD

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience in deploying autonomy software on unmanned platforms is preferred.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot hardware/software integration.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python; familiarity with ROS, DDS, and simulation tools.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance and work with DoD stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• System Integration & Deployment — Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems across onboard compute, sensors, and control interfaces.
• Pre-flight Preparation — Own build, configuration, and validation for flight-ready systems; ensure hardware/software compatibility.
• On-site Flight Test Support — Travel to test sites, support live flight operations, perform safety checks and troubleshooting.
• Hardware/Software Debugging — Diagnose and resolve integration issues in lab and field environments.
• Flight Data Capture & Analysis — Manage data collection and post-test analysis to refine behaviors.
• Collaboration Across Teams — Work with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams to ensure timely delivery.
• Continuous Improvement — Build tools to improve integration timelines and flight test reliability.
• Support Certification and Compliance — Assist with documentation and system-level validation for certification and airworthiness.

Skills

C++

Python

Linux

RTOS

Sensor fusion

ROS

Education

BS/MS in CS/EE/ME/AE or equivalent

Tools

ROS

DDS

AFSIM

NGTS

RTOS

Job description

• 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
• Travel Requirement – Members of this team typically travel around 30-40% of the year (to different office locations, customer sites, and flight integration events)

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 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 environmentsThe role is highly dynamic, requiring hands-on experience, strong systems thinking, and the ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, real-world test conditionsHands-on experience supporting flight demos or live exercisesAbility to obtain a SECRET clearanceStrong 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 diagnosticsKnowledge of sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware frameworks (e.g., ROS, DDS)Experience with simulation tools and environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS) for testing and validationExcellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environmentBS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experienceTypically requires a minimum of 2 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or completion of a Master’s or PhD program with internship or equivalent practical experience preferred; or equivalent professional experienceProficiency 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