Senior Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration (R5200)

Shield AI; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI in Boston is seeking an experienced software engineer to develop and integrate autonomy solutions for unmanned platforms. Applicants should have a strong background in C++, embedded systems, and collaboration in multidisciplinary teams.

The role involves working closely with capabilities teams and participating in live mission operations, requiring a minimum of 5 years of experience. The job offers a competitive salary range of $160,000 - $240,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 5 years related experience with a bachelor’s degree.
• Proficiency in developing or integrating real‑time systems.
• Familiarity with middleware used in autonomy systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and field autonomy software solutions for unmanned platforms.
• Collaborate with feature crews to deliver and validate functionality.
• Coordinate hardware/software compatibility and mission readiness.

Skills

C++ proficiency

Linux-based development

Problem-solving skills

Collaboration

Education

BS or MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Embedded systems

Container orchestration

Job description

Shield AI is a venture‑backed defense‑tech company that develops autonomy solutions for unmanned platforms across air, maritime, space, and effects/expendables sectors. The Autonomous Pilot Integration team builds autonomy software and integrates it onto real hardware, delivering solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense and international defense customers.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and field autonomy software solutions onto unmanned platforms, including payload computer bring‑up, container‑based deployment, and configuration across onboard compute, sensors, and command‑and‑control interfaces.
• Collaborate closely with the Autonomy Capabilities team, the Perception team, feature crews, and external partners to deliver and validate mission‑critical functionality on time.
• Own the build, configuration, and validation process for mission‑ready systems; coordinate hardware/software compatibility, mission readiness, and release cadence with capability and feature teams.
• Travel to test sites and support live mission operations, including safety checks, system bring‑up, and troubleshooting under time‑critical constraints.
• Diagnose and resolve integration issues across complex autonomy stacks, payload computers, and embedded systems in lab and field environments.
• Capture mission and test data, reproduce issues in simulation, and partner with autonomy capability owners to drive fixes into the next build.
• Build tools and processes to improve integration timelines, test/mission reliability, and team efficiency across deployment cycles.
• Implement and validate compliance with command‑and‑control standards and coordinate with providers on interface contracts and integration milestones.
• Travel approximately 10‑20% of the year to integration and test events.

Required Qualifications

• BS or MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or similar, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of 5 years related experience with a bachelor’s degree, 4 years with a master’s degree, 2 years with a PhD, or equivalent work experience.
• Proficiency in C++, developing or integrating real‑time or latency‑sensitive systems.
• Proficiency in Linux‑based development and experience with embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics.
• Familiarity with middleware, pub‑sub, or IPC frameworks used in autonomy or robotics systems.
• Hands‑on experience supporting demos, exercises, or field/mission tests for unmanned or autonomous systems.
• Experience with autonomy simulation environments for testing and validation.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance across the full stack.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills for a collaborative multidisciplinary environment.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience supporting uncrewed systems or similar field test campaigns.
• Proficiency in Python for scripting, automation, and analysis.
• Familiarity with autonomy stacks, motion planning, or vehicle‑control integration.
• Competence in vehicle electronics bring‑up, payload computer integration, or hardware‑in‑the‑loop debugging.
• Experience with container orchestration on embedded or payload compute.
• Familiarity with platform control or autopilot stacks.
• Proficiency in developing automation tools for system testing, logging, and data parsing.
• Build‑system experience and CI/CD pipeline familiarity.
• Comfortable interfacing with DoD stakeholders during field events or technical reviews.
• Experience with C2 standards.
• Familiarity with government‑furnished simulation environments is a plus.

$160,000 - $240,000 a year

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal 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.

We may use artificial intelligence tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.