Staff Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities - Space Systems

Shield AI; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 188,000 - 281,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Engineer focused on autonomy capabilities for satellites and missile defense applications. You will lead technical delivery, blend control theory with optimization, and work across perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and flight test to integrate solutions on real-world platforms.

The role emphasizes solving complex problems, shaping team requirements, and driving execution through rigorous software development for high-TRL insertions, with opportunities to

Qualifications

• Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 6 years and a Master’s degree; or 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python, and familiarity with RTOS.
• Strong background in robotic control, motion planning, optimization, and distributed decision-making.
• Experience with unmanned system technologies and related algorithms, preferably in space domain.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical delivery of autonomy capabilities for space platforms.
• Develop high-performance software with clear interfaces and scalable designs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across perception, planning, and flight test.
• Deploy autonomy capabilities to real space vehicles and analyze mission data.
• Contribute to roadmaps by prototyping new algorithms and identifying capability gaps.
• Travel 10–15% for office locations, customer sites, and events.

Skills

C++

Python

RTOS

Robotics

Unmanned systems

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Advanced degree (MS/PhD) preferred

Tools

AFSIM

NGTS

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Engineer focused on autonomy capabilities for satellites and missile defense applications. You will lead technical delivery, blend control theory with optimization, and work across perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and flight test to integrate solutions on real-world platforms.

The role emphasizes solving complex problems, shaping team requirements, and driving execution through rigorous software development for high-TRL insertions, with opportunities to