Senior Staff Engineer — Space Autonomy & Systems

Shield AI; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 221,000 - 331,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Senior Staff Engineer focused on space autonomy capabilities, spanning large-scale distributed optimization, automated tasking and scheduling, track fusion, and space-vehicle planning. You will build capabilities from ground up and integrate them into new platforms, often starting with short-term R&D efforts that grow into multi-year programs.

The role requires mentoring engineers, translating ambiguous customer needs into concrete designs, and collaborating across

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in a relevant engineering field or equivalent practical experience.
• Typically requires 7–10+ years of related experience with progression.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python; familiarity with RTOS.
• Background in robotics: motion planning, behavior modeling, autonomous system design.
• Experience with unmanned system technologies and space-domain algorithms preferred.
• Experience with simulation tools (AFSIM, NGTS) for testing and validation.
• Strong problem-solving and collaborative teamwork abilities.
• Ability to obtain SECRET clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical direction for the space autonomy portfolio across multiple programs.
• Develop advanced optimization, tasking, scheduling, and track fusion capabilities.
• Drive state-of-the-art in low-SWaP and autonomous behavior management.
• Develop high-performance, well-tested software with clear interfaces.
• Collaborate with perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and flight test teams.
• Deploy autonomy capabilities to real-space vehicles and analyze mission logs.
• Contribute to roadmaps, prototyping, and identifying capability gaps.
• Travel 10–15% of the year to offices, sites, and events.

Skills

C++ programming

Python programming

RTOS familiarity

Robotics fundamentals

Unmanned systems

Space domain experience

Strong problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

BS/MS in Computer Science / Electrical Engineering / Mechanical Engineering / Aerospace Engineering

Tools

AFSIM

NGTS

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Senior Staff Engineer focused on space autonomy capabilities, spanning large-scale distributed optimization, automated tasking and scheduling, track fusion, and space-vehicle planning. You will build capabilities from ground up and integrate them into new platforms, often starting with short-term R&D efforts that grow into multi-year programs.

The role requires mentoring engineers, translating ambiguous customer needs into concrete designs, and collaborating across