Senior Software Engineer (Autonomy Capabilities)

Shield AI; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent Medical Coverage

Stock Benefits

401K Match

Flexible Work Hours

Onsite Gym (DC)

Gym Discount (San Diego)

Paid Parental Leave

Pet Insurance

Free Parking

Competitive Compensation

Mental Health EAP

Job summary

Shield AI's Autonomy Capabilities Team seeks an experienced engineer to design and implement autonomous decision-making for unmanned platforms across air, land, and sea domains.

You will blend control theory with optimization and ML/RL, collaborate with perception, planning, and flight test teams, and deliver real-world capabilities through robust software. This role requires 5+ years of related experience, a strong coding background in C++/Python, and the ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Qualifications

• Experience with unmanned systems and associated algorithms.
• Background in robotic autonomy across domains (air/land/sea).
• Experience integrating autonomy into real-world platforms.

Responsibilities

• Design autonomy algorithms for unmanned platforms and multi-agent teams.
• Bridge classical control with optimization and learning-based methods.
• Collaborate with perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and flight-test teams.
• Support field tests, demos, and customer deployments.

Skills

C++

Python

RTOS

Control theory

Optimization

ML/RL

Multi-agent

Trajectory design

Distributed systems

Swarm robotics

Communication protocols

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/EE/aerospace

Master’s degree preferred

PhD considered

Tools

AFSIM

NGTS

RTOS

Job description

• The Autonomy Capabilities Team develops functionality to automate single- and multi-agent teams of platforms in pursuit of mission objectives and acts as a central discipline-aligned focal-point for encouraging consistent usage of technical approaches across business portfolios
• This team operates at all levels of the command-and-control hierarchy (from advanced control laws, through motion planning, and up to advanced tactical behaviors and multi-agent coordination) and across a multitude of mission sets, platform types, and operational domains (e.g., air, sea, space)
• The team puts a strong emphasis on both fundamentals (e.g., aircraft kinematics/dynamics, trajectory design, optimization, information fusion, efficient algorithms, etc.) and software integration skillsets (e.g. structures, protocols, threading, interface management, etc.) to bring market-differentiating capabilities to customers that seamlessly operate within their integration contexts
• This position is perfect for an individual who enjoys solving complex problems across a diverse set of programs and integration contexts
• An ideal candidate is expected to address operational system needs through a multitude of advanced methodologies that blend traditional control system approaches with advanced optimization
• Developed solutions are expected to be integrated into real-world platforms with near-term program impacts and rewards and so balancing theory with practice and rigorous implementation is paramount
• Tactical Autonomy Design – Design tactical autonomy algorithms to enable unmanned aircraft to perform complex missions across air, land, and sea domains with minimal human supervision
• High-Performance Software Development – Develop high-performance software modules that incorporate planning, decision-making, and behavior execution strategies for dynamic and adversarial environments
• Behavior Architecture Implementation – Implement and test behavior architectures that enable multi-agent coordination, target engagement, reconnaissance, and survivability in contested scenarios
• Hybrid Autonomy Integration – Work at the intersection of classical autonomy and machine learning, blending rule-based systems with learning-based methods such as reinforcement learning to achieve robust, adaptive behavior
• Cross-Functional Collaboration – Collaborate with cross-functional teams including perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and flight test to ensure seamless integration of autonomy solutions on real-world platforms
• Deployment & Field Testing – Deploy autonomy capabilities to real platforms and participate in field tests and flight demos, validating performance in operationally relevant conditions
• Mission Data Analysis – Analyze mission logs and performance data to diagnose failures, optimize behavior models, and inform iterative development
• R&D and Roadmapping – Contribute to the autonomy roadmap by researching and prototyping new algorithms, identifying tactical capability gaps, and proposing novel solutions that advance Shield AI’s mission
• Program Support & Adaptation – Support defense-focused programs and customer needs by adapting autonomy solutions to evolving mission sets, compliance requirements, and operational feedback
• Travel Requirement – Members of this team typically travel around 10-15% 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

Requirements

• Significant experience with unmanned system technologies and accompanying algorithms (ideally in the space domain specifically)Typically 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 experience
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance or higher
• Significant background in one or several robotic technology areas related to control systems, motion planning, optimization, tactical behaviors, and/or distributed decision-making
• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Python, and familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS)
• Experience with simulation tools and environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS, or similar) for testing and validation
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance
• Background in collaborative behaviors and swarm robotics
• Experience in multiple aerospace domains (e.g., air, land, sea, space)
• Experience across a breadth of methodologies from classical control through optimization and applied ML/RL
• Familiarity with domain-relevant DoD or government programs
• Hands-on experience supporting integration events, customer demos, and/or live exercises