Staff Autonomy Engineer - Space & Defense

Shield AI; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 188,000 - 281,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Engineer to lead the technical delivery of complex autonomy capabilities for satellites and space-domain defense applications. You will combine deep technical expertise with systems thinking to deliver scalable autonomy solutions and guide teams across perception, planning, and simulation while working with real-world platforms.

The role emphasizes solving challenging problems across diverse programs, balancing theory with practical implementation, and ensuring

Qualifications

• BS/MS in CS/EE/ME/AE or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum 7 years with a Bachelor's; 6 years with MS; 4 years with PhD; or equivalent.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python; RTOS familiarity.
• Background in robotic control, motion planning, optimization, and distributed decision-making.
• Experience with unmanned system technologies and space-domain applications.
• Experience with simulation tools (AFSIM, NGTS) for testing and validation.
• Strong problem-solving and collaboration skills.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Responsibilities

• Multi-Objective Optimization for large-scale distributed decision making and scheduling.
• Weapons Target Assignment for space vehicles and interceptors.
• Advance the State of the Art in optimal control and tactical behaviors.
• Develop high-performance software modules with clear interfaces and robust testing.
• Collaborate with perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and flight test teams.
• Deploy autonomy capabilities to real-space vehicles and analyze mission logs.
• Contribute to autonomy roadmaps through R&D and prototyping.
• Travel 10-15% of the year to office locations, customer sites, and events.

Skills

C++

Python

RTOS

Robotics

Unmanned systems

Distributed decision-making

Problem solving

Communication

Education

BS/MS in CS/EE/ME/AE

Tools

AFSIM

NGTS

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Engineer to lead the technical delivery of complex autonomy capabilities for satellites and space-domain defense applications. You will combine deep technical expertise with systems thinking to deliver scalable autonomy solutions and guide teams across perception, planning, and simulation while working with real-world platforms.

The role emphasizes solving challenging problems across diverse programs, balancing theory with practical implementation, and ensuring