Space Autonomy Lead: Multi-Agent & Optimization

Shield; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI is a defense-tech company developing autonomy for space and defense applications. As a Sr Staff Engineer, you will steer the autonomy portfolio, blending advanced control with optimization, and shaping architectures across multiple programs.

You will mentor engineers and serve as a key expert translating ambiguous needs into tangible design approaches. You’ll lead multi-objective optimization, tackle weapons target assignment, and push the state of the art in low-SWaP control and

Qualifications

• BS/MS in CS/EE/ME/AE or equivalent.
• 10+ years with a Bachelor’s; 9 with MS; 7 with PhD; or equivalent.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python; RTOS familiarity.
• Robotics-related motion planning, behavior modeling, decision-making, or autonomous system design.
• Experience with unmanned systems technologies and space-domain algorithms.
• Experience with simulation tools (AFSIM, NGTS).
• Strong problem-solving and teamwork; ability to obtain SECRET clearance.

Responsibilities

• Multi-Objective Optimization– large-scale distributed decision making, task allocation, and resource scheduling.
• Weapons Target Assignment– target assignment and motion planning for fleets of space vehicles and interceptors.
• Advance the State of the Art– low-SWaP optimal control and tactical behavior management.
• Rigorous Software Development– high-performance modules, well-tested, clear interfaces, TRL-ready.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration– with perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and flight test.
• Deployment & TestSupport– deploy to real-space vehicles and analyze mission logs.
• R&D and Road-mapping– prototype new algorithms and identify capability gaps.
• Travel– 10–15% of the year.

Skills

C++

Python

Robotics

RTOS

Unmanned systems

Education

BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent

Tools

AFSIM

NGTS

Job description

Shield AI is a defense-tech company developing autonomy for space and defense applications. As a Sr Staff Engineer, you will steer the autonomy portfolio, blending advanced control with optimization, and shaping architectures across multiple programs.

You will mentor engineers and serve as a key expert translating ambiguous needs into tangible design approaches. You’ll lead multi-objective optimization, tackle weapons target assignment, and push the state of the art in low-SWaP control and