Simulation Framework Engineer II – Autonomy & M&S

Shieldai; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI, headquartered in San Diego, seeks a Simulation Framework Engineer to develop and maintain C++/Python software that connects modeling and simulation environments with core autonomy software. You will port modules to HMSF, build adapters and plugins, and support reusable components across backends like AFSIM, NGTS, and Aechelon.

This hands-on role targets an early-career engineer eager to dive into defense simulation, autonomy, and distributed systems, collaborating with senior teams to

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline; equivalent practical experience may be considered.
• Foundational programming experience in C++ and Python through coursework, internships, personal projects, research, or professional experience.
• 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, attention to detail, and 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 application 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.

Job description

Shield AI, headquartered in San Diego, seeks a Simulation Framework Engineer to develop and maintain C++/Python software that connects modeling and simulation environments with core autonomy software. You will port modules to HMSF, build adapters and plugins, and support reusable components across backends like AFSIM, NGTS, and Aechelon.

This hands-on role targets an early-career engineer eager to dive into defense simulation, autonomy, and distributed systems, collaborating with senior teams to