Software Engineer II, Autonomy Behaviors (R5202)

Shield; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Bonus

Benefits

Professional growth

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking an engineer to advance autonomy software for unmanned platforms across air, land, sea, and space. You will implement, test, and integrate complex C++ systems, collaborating with sensor processing, communications, and actuation teams while traveling up to 20% for field testing.

The role emphasizes balancing theory with practical implementation and requires active U.S. Secret clearance eligibility, with a focus on robust, high-assurance software in a fast-paced, mission-driven

Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, 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.
• Develop and test behaviors supporting coordination, target engagement, reconnaissance, and survivability in contested scenarios.
• Participate in the software development lifecycle: implementation, testing, debugging, verification and validation.
• Collaborate with senior engineers to integrate software components with sensor processing, communications, and actuation.
• Write clean, maintainable, well-tested code following established engineering standards.
• Support integration and testing across simulation and real-world environments.
• Work with cross-functional teams to understand requirements and deliver features.
• Continue building expertise in software engineering, autonomy, and robotics systems.
• Travel up to 20% for testing and collaboration.

Skills

C++

Collaboration

Problem solving

Security clearance

Learning agility

Education

BS in CS/CE/Robotics

Tools

ROS

OMPL

Git

Job description

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, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

The Autonomy Capabilities Team develops functionality to automate single- and multi-agent teams of platforms in pursuit of mission objectives and acts as a central discipline-aligned focal-point for encouraging consistent usage of technical approaches across business portfolios. This team operates at all levels of the command-and-control hierarchy (from advanced control laws, through motion planning, and up to advanced tactical behaviors and multi-agent coordination) and across a multitude of mission sets, platform types, and operational domains (e.g., air, sea, space). The team puts a strong emphasis on both fundamentals (e.g., aircraft kinematics/dynamics, trajectory design, optimization, information fusion, efficient algorithms, etc.) and software integration skillsets (e.g. structures, protocols, threading, interface management, etc.) to bring market-differentiating capabilities to customers that seamlessly operate within their integration contexts.

This position is perfect for an individual who enjoys solving complex problems across a diverse set of programs and integration contexts. An ideal candidate is expected to address operational system needs through a multitude of advanced methodologies that blend traditional control system approaches with advanced optimization. Developed solutions are expected to be integrated into real-world platforms with near-term program impacts and rewards and so balancing theory with practice and rigorous implementation is paramount.

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)

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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 toequal 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.