Senior Staff Engineer, Space Autonomy & Multi-Agent Systems

Shieldai; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Sr Staff Engineer to lead the autonomy portfolio focused on space applications, satellite autonomy, and missile defense integrations. You will blend control theory with optimization and ensure real-world deployment on platforms, collaborating across perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and flight test teams.

This role requires deep technical expertise, a track record of delivering complex autonomous systems, and the ability to work across diverse programs, with a

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical/Mechanical/Aerospace or equivalent.
• Typically 10+ years of related experience with a Bachelor's; 9+ with a Master's; 7+ with a PhD.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python; familiarity with RTOS.
• Robotics background in motion planning, behavior modeling, autonomous system design.
• Experience with unmanned systems and space-domain algorithms.
• Experience with simulation tools (AFSIM, NGTS).
• Strong problem-solving and collaboration; ability to obtain SECRET clearance.
• Experience across aerospace domains; DoD/government programs.
• Hands-on with integration events, demos, and live exercises.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-program autonomy and architecture across space platforms.
• Pioneer low-SWaP optimal control and tactical behavior management.
• Develop high-performance, well-tested software modules with clear interfaces.
• Collaborate with perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and flight test teams.
• Deploy autonomy capabilities to space vehicles and analyze mission logs.
• Drive R&D and roadmapping; prototype new algorithms and identify gaps.
• Travel about 10-15% to office locations, customer sites, and events.

Skills

C++

Python

RTOS

Robotics

Optimization

Space systems

Education

BS/MS in Computer Science/Engineering

Tools

AFSIM

NGTS

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Sr Staff Engineer to lead the autonomy portfolio focused on space applications, satellite autonomy, and missile defense integrations. You will blend control theory with optimization and ensure real-world deployment on platforms, collaborating across perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and flight test teams.

This role requires deep technical expertise, a track record of delivering complex autonomous systems, and the ability to work across diverse programs, with a