Senior Software Engineer, Networking & OS (R5488)

Shieldai; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking aSenior Software Engineer (Networking & OS) for the V-BAT program to design, implement, and optimize network infrastructure in challenging environments. The role emphasizes high reliability, security, and low latency across constrained links.

You will build Layer 2/3 networks, implement on embedded Linux, and collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams including hardware and field operators to validate performance in lab and flight-test settings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of relevant experience, or Master’s with 4+ years, or PhD with 2+ years.
• Strong proficiency in C, C++, or Python in a Linux environment.
• Deep understanding of Linux networking fundamentals (netlink, IProute/tables, iptables/nftables, TUN/TAP interfaces, Linux network namespaces, and socket programming).
• Experience shipping software that interacts directly with the OS networking stack.
• Experience with embedded Linux networking applications (Yocto or OS-level customization tools).
• Experience working with RF/hardware engineers to design network protocols and topologies for novel radio networks.

Responsibilities

• Design and build custom Layer 2/Layer 3 network topologies optimized for V-BAT mission profiles, focusing on device isolation, dynamic traffic management, and multi-link transmission.
• Implement networking features on embedded Linux systems, including routing, TUN/TAP interfaces, user-space tunnels, and socket-level applications.
• Create bandwidth-optimized, low-latency paths over lossy or constrained radio and satellite links.
• Write production-grade C, C++, or Python code to build SDN interfaces, traffic shaping policies, and link failover mechanisms.
• Collaborate with software, hardware, and field operators to validate end-to-end network performance in HIL labs and flight tests.
• Navigate development cycles to deliver high-quality solutions within aggressive timelines.

Skills

C

C++

Python

Linux networking

Netlink

IProute

iptables/NFTables

TUN/TAP

Sockets

Routing protocols

QoS/Traffic management

VPN/Tunneling

Network troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years experience

Master’s degree with 4+ years

PhD with 2+ years

Tools

Yocto

Job description

Job Description:

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BATaircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

As aSenior Software Engineer (Networking & OS) on V-BAT, you will be instrumental in designing, implementing, and optimizing the network infrastructure for our Unmanned Aerial System (UAS)which is deployed in some of the most challenging environments worldwide.V-BATisdesigned tooperatein contested, GNSS-deniedairspace,and our network mustmaintainhighly reliable,secure, and efficientcommunication between allair and grounddevices.

• Design and build custom, resilient Layer 2 / Layer 3 network topologies optimized specifically for V-BAT mission profiles, focusing on device isolation,dynamic traffic management, andtransmitting traffic across multiple links.

• Implement networking features directly on embedded Linux operating systems, including custom routing, TUN/TAP interfaces, user-space tunnels, and socket-level applications.

• Work backward from operator capabilities to build bandwidth-optimized, low-latency communication paths over lossy or constrained radio and satellite links.

• Write clean, production-grade C, C++, or Python code tobuildthings likesoftware-defined network interfaces, traffic shaping policies, and link failover mechanisms.

• Partner withsoftware engineers,hardware engineers, and field operators tovalidateend-to-end network performance in both hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) labs and flight test environments.

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of relevant experience, orMaster’s with 4+ years, or PhD with 2+ years.

• Strongproficiencywriting software in C, C++, or Python in a Linux environment, witha track recordof shipping software that interacts directly with the OS networking stack.

• Deep understanding of Linux networking fundamentals (netlink, IProute/tables, iptables/nftables, TUN/TAP interfaces, Linux network namespaces, and socket programming).

• Solid grasp of Layer 2 and Layer 3 network fundamentals, custom routing protocols, VLAN tagging, QoS/traffic management, andVPN/tunneling mechanisms (e.g.,OpenVPN, GRE, IPsec, or custom user-space tunnels).

• Practical experience troubleshooting network degradation using low-level tools (e.g.,tcpdump,wireshark, iproute2,iperf) in lossy, high-latency, or bandwidth-constrained environments.

• Proventrack recordof successfully shipping products,showcasingthe ability to navigate through development cycles, overcome obstacles, and deliver high-quality solutions to meet project deadlines and exceed expectations in a fast-paced environment.

• Experience developing embedded Linux networking applications using build systems likeYoctoor OS-level customization tools.

• Experience working with RF and other hardware engineers to design network protocols and topologies which are tailored for a novel radio network design.

• Experience architecting network solutions for robotics, autonomous vehicles, aerospace, or edge computing hardware.

• Familiarity with network security, public key infrastructure (PKI), and cryptographic tunnels in embedded systems.

Full-time regular employee offer package:

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:

Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

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