Software Engineer II, Autonomy Behaviors (r4587) Software

Frontdoor Defense; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 131,921 - 197,881; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking an Engineer II to develop and validate autonomy behaviors powering unmanned systems. You will implement features across air, land, sea, and space, collaborating with engineers to ensure reliable integration of sensors, communications, and actuation.

You will work on complex software systems, gain exposure to autonomy and robotics, and travel up to 20% for testing and collaboration.

Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science, Aerospace, Electrical, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in production-level C++ software development.
• Ability to contribute to design, development, and integration of complex software systems.

Responsibilities

• Implement tactical autonomy software features enabling unmanned platforms across air, land, sea, and space domains.
• Develop and test behaviors supporting coordination, target engagement, reconnaissance, and survivability.
• Participate in software development lifecycle: implementation, testing, debugging, verification, and validation.
• Collaborate with senior engineers to integrate components with sensors, communications, and actuation.

Skills

C++ programming

Software engineering

Team collaboration

Version control tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

ROS

OMPL

Job description

Software Engineer II, Autonomy Behaviors (R5202)

Develop and validate autonomous behaviors for unmanned platforms across multiple domains

Location: Boston, MassachusettsWashington, District of Columbia

Compensation: $131,921 - 197,881 USD / year

About The Role

Engineer II

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI's technology actively supports operations worldwide.

About the Job: As an Engineer II, you'll help build and test the autonomy behaviors that power our unmanned systems, working closely with experienced engineers to bring new capabilities to life. You'll focus on implementing and validating well-defined features while developing your skills in autonomy, robotics, and large-scale software systems. In this role, you'll gain exposure to how autonomy software moves from concept to real-world deployment, contributing to systems that operate in complex, high-stakes environments.

What You'll Do:

• Implement tactical autonomy software features that enable unmanned platforms to perform complex missions across air, land, sea, and space domains
• Develop and test behaviors supporting coordination, target engagement, reconnaissance, and survivability in contested scenarios
• Participate in the software development lifecycle, including implementation, testing, debugging, and supporting verification and validation efforts
• Collaborate with senior engineers to integrate software components with broader system elements (e.g., sensor processing, communications, and actuation)
• Write clean, maintainable, and well-tested code following established engineering standards and team practices
• Support integration and testing across simulation and real-world environments
• Work with cross-functional teams to understand requirements and support successful feature delivery
• Continue building expertise in software engineering, autonomy, and robotics systems
• Travel up to 20% to support testing, integration, and collaboration with partner teams

Required Qualifications:

• BS in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• Experience in production-level C++ software development
• 2-3 years of experience in one or more of the following: software sub-system scheduling and integration, behavior planning, task and resource allocation, motion planning, optimization, or flight controls
• Experience with collaborative software development tools for version control, issue tracking, code reviews, release management
• Ability to contribute to the design, development, and integration of complex software systems as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to learn new technologies in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to collaborate closely with teammates and support team objectives
• Interest in growing technical skills and, over time, providing guidance to more junior engineers
• Desire to work in a highly collaborative, fast paced, and mission-driven environment
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Exposure to systems operating at different technology readiness levels (TRLs) through academic, research, or internship experience
• Experience in the delivery of a military mission system
• Familiarity with mission systems integration concepts, testing, or demonstrations
• Experience (academic or project-based) in one or more of the following areas:
• Motion planning, behavior planning, or multi-agent coordination
• Expose to autonomy, control, or decision-making systems
• Safety mechanisms such as collision avoidance or constraint enforcement
• Familiarity with robotic software tools (e.g., ROS, OMPL, or similar frameworks)
• Experience using simulation environments for development or testing
• Basic understanding of navigation and/or communications systems
• Awareness of the software or systems development lifecycle
• Familiarity with systems engineering fundamentals
• Exposure to high-assurance or safety-critical software concepts (e.g., DO-178C or similar)

$131,921 - $197,881 a year

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 array 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 your 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.