Simulation Framework Engineer I (C++/Python)

Shield; Washington, Northern (District of Columbia, KY); Hybrid; USD 79,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking an early-career Simulation Framework Engineer (L1) to develop and maintain software that links modeling and simulation environments with core autonomy software. You will write C++ and Python, build adapters and plugins, and support reusable components for autonomy developers.

You will contribute to HMSSimBlocks to HMSF migrations, port modules, test functionality, and ensure compatibility for programs using legacy HMSSimBlocks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related technical discipline or equivalent experience.
• Foundational programming experience in C++ and Python.
• Familiarity with Linux development environments, including command-line tools, compiling software, and basic scripting.
• Understanding of core software engineering practices, including Git-based version control, debugging, code review, and automated testing.
• Familiarity with object-oriented programming, software interfaces, APIs, and modular software design.
• Exposure to networking concepts such as TCP, UDP, client-server communication, message passing, or data serialization.
• Interest in modeling and simulation, autonomy, robotics, distributed systems, game engines, visualization systems, or defense technology.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, willingness to learn from senior engineers and cross-functional partners.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an active U.S. SECRET security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop, compile, test, and maintain C++ and Python software for simulation adapters, plugins, and interfaces.
• Contribute to baseline integrations for simulation backends such as AFSIM, NGTS, Aechelon, HMSSimBlocks, and HMSF.
• Assist with the transition from HMSSimBlocks to HMSF by porting simulation features, updating interfaces, validating behavior, and documenting migration considerations.
• Help maintain and improve existing HMSSimBlocks integrations for programs that still depend on the legacy framework.
• Support the development of reusable simulation components and plugin patterns that enable other engineering teams to integrate custom sensors, vehicle models, effects, or mission capabilities.
• Assist with implementation and maintenance of CIGI-based plugins and interfaces that enable communication between simulation frameworks and Aechelon image generators.
• Help verify functional behavior across simulation plugins, including CSF file loading, DDS communications, GRID interface requirements, and Hivemind SDK compatibility.
• Diagnose simulation and autonomy integration issues by reviewing logs, network traffic, DDS messages, API behavior, configuration files, and call stacks.
• Write and maintain unit tests, automated integration tests, developer documentation, and example configurations.
• Participate in code reviews, engineering design discussions, bug triage, and collaborative debugging with simulation, autonomy, and integration teams.

Skills

Bachelor’s degree

C++

Python

Linux

Git

Unit testing

Networking basics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a technical field

Tools

CMake

ROS 2

DDS

GoogleTest

pytest

CTest

Docker

Job description

Shield AI is seeking an early-career Simulation Framework Engineer (L1) to develop and maintain software that links modeling and simulation environments with core autonomy software. You will write C++ and Python, build adapters and plugins, and support reusable components for autonomy developers.

You will contribute to HMSSimBlocks to HMSF migrations, port modules, test functionality, and ensure compatibility for programs using legacy HMSSimBlocks.