Senior Software Engineer - Real-Time Navigation & PNT

Shield; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 160,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to develop robust navigation algorithms for defense aviation systems. You will research, design, and deploy cutting-edge navigation solutions, ensuring high reliability in contested environments.

The ideal candidate will have strong proficiency in C++, experience with state estimation algorithms, and familiarity with embedded Linux systems. This is a full-time position located in Wisconsin offering a competitive salary and benefits package.

Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in modern C++ and experience with embedded Linux systems.
• Experience designing state estimation algorithms in defense applications.
• Familiarity with continuous integration workflows and automated testing.

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced algorithms for assured Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT).
• Write and deploy production-quality C++ software for aviation platforms.
• Build tests to validate navigation software performance.

Skills

Modern C++ (C++11 or newer)

Embedded Linux systems

State estimation algorithms (e.g., EKF, UKF)

Deterministic timing

Continuous integration (CI)

Inertial navigation systems (INS)

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Senior Software Engineer – Navigation And State Estimation (r3123)

Develop robust navigation and state estimation algorithms for defense aviation systems in contested environments

Location: DallasWashington DC

Compensation: $160,000 - 240,000 USD / year

Job Tags: Software

About The Role

Senior Software Engineer - Navigation And State Estimation

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent, autonomous systems. Its products include Hivemind Enterprise-EdgeOS, Pilot, Commander, and Forge-as well as V-BAT and Sentient Vision Systems (wide-area motion imaging software). With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kyiv (Ukraine), and Melbourne (Australia), Shield AI's technology actively supports U.S. and allied operations worldwide.

Shield AI's Hivemind autonomy team is building next-generation autonomy and navigation solutions for resilient, mission-critical systems. As a Senior Engineer, you will contribute directly to the design, development, integration, test, and deployment of the Hivemind navigation stack. We seek engineers with experience delivering robust navigation and state estimation solutions for defense aviation systems, ISR platforms, or other DoD-relevant applications, with strong expertise in C++ software development for embedded Linux systems.

What You'll Do:

1. Research and develop advanced state estimation and navigation algorithms to ensure assured Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) in contested environments.
2. Design, write, and deploy production-quality C++ software for aviation platforms requiring real-time, deterministic performance.
3. Build and maintain comprehensive unit, integration, and system-level tests to validate navigation software performance under operational constraints.
4. Develop modeling, calibration, and simulation tools for inertial and aided navigation technologies used in airborne platforms.
5. Participate in agile-based product planning, feature definition, capacity estimation, and cross-team collaboration.
6. Contribute to ongoing system performance evaluation, regression analysis, and V&V (Verification and Validation) efforts.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong proficiency in modern C++ (C++11 or newer) and professional experience developing software for embedded Linux systems.
• Experience designing and deploying state estimation algorithms (e.g., EKF, UKF) in real-world defense or aerospace applications.
• Familiarity with developing for constrained environments requiring deterministic timing and high reliability.
• Professional experience with continuous integration (CI) workflows and automated C++ testing.
• Practical understanding of inertial navigation systems (INS), GNSS integration, and navigation error modeling.
• Ability to deploy and maintain robust, efficient, production-level C++ code.
• Familiarity with MATLAB or Python for prototyping is acceptable; however, primary development experience must be in C++.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience developing and deploying assured PNT systems for DoD customers.
• Expertise calibrating and integrating IMUs, GPS receivers, magnetometers, and barometric sensors.
• Familiarity with alternative navigation techniques, such as celestial navigation, terrain-aided navigation, or vision-based navigation (VBN).
• Experience validating and verifying navigation systems in operational test environments.

Note:

• Candidates will be asked to complete a C++ coding exercise as part of the interview process to assess comfort with modern software design practices and system-level thinking.

$160,000 - $240,000 a year

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 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.