Staff Autonomy Engineer: Space Systems & Multi-Agent AI

Shieldai; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; 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 across space and defense programs. You will shape requirements, define approaches, and drive execution with a systems-level view.

You’ll work on multi-satellite optimization, tasking, scheduling, track fusion, and collaboration with perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and flight test teams to integrate autonomy onto real-world platforms.

Qualifications

• 7+ years related experience with a bachelor’s degree; or 6 years with a master’s degree; or 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Python, and familiarity with RTOS.
• Significant background in robotic technology areas related to control systems, motion planning, optimization, tactical behaviors, and distributed decision-making.
• Significant experience with unmanned system technologies and accompanying algorithms (ideally in the space domain specifically).
• Experience with simulation tools and environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS, or similar) for testing and validation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical delivery of complex autonomy capabilities across programs.
• Shape requirements, define technical approaches, and drive execution with systems-level thinking.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of autonomy solutions on real-world platforms.
• Develop and test high-performance software modules that are well-documented and maintainable.
• Support integration events, customer demos, and live exercises.

Skills

C++

Python

RTOS

Control systems

Motion planning

Optimization

Tactical behaviors

Distributed decision-making

Robotics

Unmanned systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

PhD

Tools

AFSIM

NGTS

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Engineer to lead the technical delivery of complex autonomy capabilities across space and defense programs. You will shape requirements, define approaches, and drive execution with a systems-level view.

You’ll work on multi-satellite optimization, tasking, scheduling, track fusion, and collaboration with perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and flight test teams to integrate autonomy onto real-world platforms.