Software Engineer II, Autonomy Behaviors (R5201)

The Rundown AI, Inc.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

The Rundown AI, Inc. in Boston, MA is looking for an Engineer II to develop autonomy behaviors for unmanned systems. You'll implement tactical software features that enable complex missions, requiring a strong foundation in C++ and experience in robotics.

This position offers an opportunity to work in a mission-driven environment focusing on high-stakes systems. Key qualifications include a BS in engineering and collaborative problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of experience in behavior planning, task/resource allocation, or motion planning.
• Ability to design, develop, and integrate complex software systems in a team.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Implement tactical autonomy software features for unmanned platforms.
• Develop and test behaviors for reconnaissance and target engagement.
• Collaborate with engineers to integrate software components.

Skills

Production-level C++ software development

Problem-solving skills

Collaborative software development tools

Interest in robotics and autonomy

Education

BS in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field

Tools

ROS

OMPL

Job description

About the Company

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture‑backed deep‑tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V‑BAT and X‑BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. Offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia‑Pacific actively support operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

About The Team

The Autonomy Capabilities team at Shield AI has assembled a diverse team of experts in software, robotics, control systems, optimization, and data analysis to create software solutions that greatly evolve the capabilities of our customers. The team is responsible for developing autonomous behaviors within Shield AI’s industry‑leading mission autonomy software stack and deploying them across a breadth of platforms, including the Anduril Fury, Northrup Grumman Talon, Shield AI V‑Bat, and other first and third‑party autonomous vehicles. We work in close coordination with specialist teams in software integration, hardware, and test engineering to solve some of the hardest problems facing our customers.

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, and 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.
• Exposure 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).

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.