Senior Staff Engineer, Autonomy - Tactical Behaviors (R3779)

Robert Hofmann GmbH; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

I did my part and supported the Regular Toilet is looking for a qualified individual to design tactical autonomy algorithms for unmanned aircraft. This role involves developing high-performance software, collaborating with diverse teams, and direct contributions to R&D efforts.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in robotics, proficiency in C++ and Python, and a strong background in unmanned systems. A commitment to effective teamwork and problem-solving skills is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree.
• Significant background in robotics technologies.
• Experience with unmanned system technologies.

Responsibilities

• Design tactical autonomy algorithms for unmanned aircraft.
• Develop high-performance software modules for dynamic environments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for integration.

Skills

Proficiency in C++

Proficiency in Python

Strong problem-solving skills

Excellent communication and teamwork skills

Education

BS/MS in Computer Science or related fields

Tools

Simulation tools (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS)

Job description

What you’ll do:

• 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 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 the 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).

Required Qualifications:

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience.
• Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 9 years and a Master’s degree; or 7 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python, and familiarity with real‑time operating systems (RTOS).
• Significant background in robotics technologies related to motion planning, behavior modeling, decision‑making, or autonomous system design.
• Significant experience with unmanned system technologies and accompanying algorithms (specifically air domain).
• Experience with simulation tools and environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS) for testing and validation.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience applying ML/RL techniques in autonomy pipelines.
• Background in collaborative behaviors, swarm robotics, or distributed decision‑making.
• Familiarity with tactical behaviors for unmanned systems in DoD or government programs.
• Work on behaviors applicable across air, ground, and maritime vehicles.
• Hands‑on experience supporting flight demos or live exercises.
• Experience with UCI and OMS Standards.

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 range 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 the 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.