Staff Engineer, Autonomous Aircraft Software Integration

Robert Hofmann GmbH; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Bonus

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Systems Integration Engineer to deploy autonomy software on unmanned aircraft, coordinate pre-flight readiness, and support live flight operations across lab and field environments.

You will collaborate with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams to ensure mission-critical functionality, troubleshoot complex integration issues, and contribute to certification readiness. Prior flight studies emphasize safety and reliability in defense contexts.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent.
• 7+ years of related experience; 4+ with PhD, or equivalent.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python; RTOS and Linux experience.
• Experience with sensor integration and middleware such as ROS and DDS.
• Ability to obtain SECRET clearance.

Responsibilities

• Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems across compute, sensors, and interfaces.
• Own build, configuration, and validation for flight-ready systems.
• Provide on-site flight test support and troubleshooting under time pressure.
• Debug hardware/software issues in lab and field environments.
• Capture flight data and assist with post-test analysis.
• Collaborate with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams to ensure reliable deployment.
• Develop tools to improve integration timelines and test reliability.
• Assist with documentation for certification and compliance.

Skills

C++

Python

RTOS

Linux

Embedded systems

Sensor integration

ROS

DDS

Flight demos

Problem solving

Communication skills

DoD clearance

Education

BS in Computer Science / Electrical Engineering / Aerospace Engineering

MS preferred

Tools

AFSIM

NGTS

ROS middleware

Scripting (Shell)

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Systems Integration Engineer to deploy autonomy software on unmanned aircraft, coordinate pre-flight readiness, and support live flight operations across lab and field environments.

You will collaborate with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams to ensure mission-critical functionality, troubleshoot complex integration issues, and contribute to certification readiness. Prior flight studies emphasize safety and reliability in defense contexts.