Senior Software Engineer (Autonomous Pilot Integration (R5200)

Shield AI; Washington; On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent Medical Coverage

Stock Benefits

401K Services and Match

Onsite Gym

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking engineers to develop autonomy software for unmanned platforms across air, maritime, space, and other domains. You will write mission behaviors, control, and coordination code, and own it from software-in-the-loop to live test exercises.

You will partner with Autonomy Capabilities and Perception teams, field extractors, and external platform integrators to deliver mission-critical functionality with end-to-end ownership, including pre-deployment preparation and on-site test

Qualifications

• Proficiency in Linux-based development and embedded systems.
• Experience with C++ real-time or latency-sensitive systems.
• BS/MS in CS/EE/ME/Aerospace or equivalent.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop autonomy code for mission behaviors and coordination.
• Bridge R&D and deployment with field integrations.
• Own build, configuration, and validation for mission-ready systems.
• Travel 10-20% for tests and integration events.

Education

BS in CS/EE/ME/Aerospace or equivalent

Tools

C++

Python

Linux

Docker

k3s/k3d

CMake

DDS/ActiveMQ

PX4/ArduPilot

Job description

• The Autonomous Pilot Integration team builds autonomy solutions for a wide range of CONOPs and mission sets
• We combine capabilities from the Autonomy Capabilities team (motion planning, tactics), the Perception team (e.g. , track fusion), and the HivemindSDK to develop the autonomy software that runs on an unmanned platform — air, maritime, space, or effects/expendables, depending on the program — then integrate, validate, and field it on the real hardware
• In this role, you’ll write new autonomy code — such as mission behaviors, platform-specific control, multi-agent coordination, contingencies, and executive autonomy — and own it end-to-end from software-in-the-loop, to hardware-in-the-loop, to vehicle-in-the-loop, to live test exercise
• You’ll partner closely with the Autonomy Capabilities and Perception teams, feature crews, and external platform integrators (vehicle/autopilot control vendors, C2 providers)
• It’s a hands-on role for engineers who like seeing their code operate in the real world — whether that’s flying, sailing, orbiting, or downrange — and want to be there when it does
• Shield AI is committed to developing cutting-edge autonomy for unmanned platforms across every operating domain — air, maritime, space, and effects/expendables — in service of the U.S. Department of Defense and our international defense customers
• Our Autonomous Pilot Integration engineers bridge the gap between R&D and deployment, ensuring autonomous systems function reliably and effectively wherever and whenever they’re needed most
• Develop & Field Autonomy — Develop & integrate autonomy software solutions onto unmanned platforms (air, maritime, space, or effects/expendables), including payload computer bring-up, container-based deployment (e.g., k3s/k3d), and configuration across onboard compute, sensors, and command-and-control interfaces
• Collaboration Across Teams — Work closely with the Autonomy Capabilities team (motion planning, tactics), the Perception team, feature crews, and external partners (platform integrators, vehicle/autopilot control vendors, C2 providers) to deliver and validate mission-critical functionality on time
• Pre-deployment Preparation — 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
• On-site Test & Mission Support — Travel to test sites and support live mission operations (flight tests, range exercises, on-water trials, integration events), including safety checks, system bring-up, and troubleshooting under time-critical constraints
• Hardware/Software Debugging — Diagnose and resolve integration issues across complex autonomy stacks, payload computers, and embedded systems in lab and field environments — including memory, CPU, and timing profiling under operationally-representative loads
• Mission Data & Debrief Support — Capture mission and test data, reproduce issues in simulation, and partner with autonomy capability owners to drive fixes back into the next build
• Continuous Improvement — Build tools and processes to improve integration timelines, test/mission reliability, and team efficiency across deployment cycles
• C2 Interoperability & Standards — Implement and validate compliance with command-and-control standards (e.g., A-GRA, UCI, OMS) and coordinate with C2 providers on interface contracts and integration milestones
• Travel Requirement – Members of this team typically travel around 10-20% of the year (to different office locations, customer sites, and integration/test 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

Proficiency in Linux-based development and experience working with embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnosticsHands-on experience supporting demos, exercises, or field/mission tests for unmanned or autonomous systemsProficiency in C++, with experience developing or integrating real-time or latency-sensitive systemsExcellent 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 experienceStrong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance across the full stackTypically 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 experienceAbility to obtain a SECRET clearanceFamiliarity with middleware, pub-sub, or IPC frameworks used in autonomy or robotics systems (e.g., DDS, ActiveMQ)Experience with autonomy simulation environments for testing and validationDirect experience supporting uncrewed systems (air, maritime, space, ground, or effects/expendables) or similar field test campaignsProficiency in Python for scripting, automation, and analysisFamiliarity with autonomy stacks, motion planning, or vehicle-control integrationCompetence in vehicle electronics bring-up (avionics, spacecraft buses, or vessel control), payload computer integration, or hardware-in-the-loop debuggingExperience with container orchestration (e.g., k3s, k3d, Docker) on embedded or payload computeProficiency in developing automation tools for system testing, logging, and data parsingFamiliarity with platform control / autopilot stacks (e.g., PX4, ArduPilot, spacecraft flight software, vessel autopilots)Build-system experience (e.g., Conan, CMake) and CI/CD pipeline familiarityComfortable interfacing with DoD stakeholders during field events or technical reviewsExperience with C2 standards such as A-GRA, UCI, or OMSFamiliarity with government-furnished simulation environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS) is a plus