Staff Engineer, Embedded Firmware (R5637)

Speedrun Talent Network; Dallas, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking an embedded software engineer for the VBAT Software team to develop avionics software for V-Bat aircraft. You will design, implement, and maintain software across hardware, OS, and applications, coordinating with GNC and test teams to ensure safe flight and reliable operation.

The role emphasizes high-quality C/C++ development, firmware refinement, RTOS integration, CI/CD for embedded systems, and collaboration across departments to deliver robust UAV software to customers.

Qualifications

• Rock-solid C/C++ software development experience.
• Experience with bare-metal firmware for embedded systems.
• Linux Kernel or RTOS bring-up on new hardware.
• Familiarity with writing thread-safe multi-threaded programs.
• Demonstrated ownership over development processes and features.
• Proven track record of shipping products in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain avionics software architectures.
• Generate software requirements and designs and present them.
• Coordinate software development across multiple teams.
• Develop firmware and system interfaces for UAV components.
• Support testing, verification, and deployment to production.

Skills

C/C++ development

Bare-metal firmware

Linux kernel/RTOS

Thread-safe multi-threading

Ownership of development processes

Shipping in fast-paced env

Initiative to improve projects

STEM degree (B.S./M.S./PhD)

Education

B.S., M.S, PhD in Systems Eng / Software Eng / CS / STEM

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Job Description:

The VBAT Software team is a motivated group of engineers focused on developing complex avionics software that merges hardware, operating systems and applications for cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). Embedded Software engineers work with customer programs, electrical engineers, Guidance, Navigation and Controls (GNC) engineers, systems engineers, test engineers and the autonomy team to design and develop software systems which utilize modern aerospace sensors, state-of-the‑art UAV avionics, and groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence applications.

As a member of the VBAT Software team, you will develop and maintain software architectures, generate and maintain all levels of software requirements, document and present software designs, coordinate software development, and marshal the entire suite of VBAT software through test and verification, release, and deployment to production and customers.

What you’ll do:

• Develop high-quality C/C++ code tailored specifically for V-Bat aircraft, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and safety.
• Refine repository of existing firmware to support new hardware, features, and capabilities
• Integrate real‑time operating system onto custom System‑On‑a‑Module (SOM)
• Develop firmware to control robotic vehicles in flight
• Convert legacy bare‑metal software to a RTOS based system
• Create new CI/CD pipelines with automated testing for embedded systems
• Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews
• Integrate software from multiple departments to include firmware, software test and verification, Autonomy AI, and Ground Control Stations (GCS)
• Develop software systems to implement and integrate interfaces to modern avionics sensors, sub‑systems, and payloads
• Facilitate the design process for updates to the software system architecture
• Use modern software development tools and processes to capture our existing architecture and design future architectures
• Collaborating to define and extend systems engineering processes
• Report status, risks, accomplishments, expectations to senior leadership
• Work with the V-Bat production teams to manufacture UAVs in‑house.
• Design and implement systems capable of conducting tests across various environments, including virtualized hardware and hardware‑in‑the‑loop simulations, to facilitate thorough evaluation of software functionality and performance.
• Develop innovative tools to enhance the frequency and reliability of software deployment, test execution, and data analysis within a continuous integration and release system, fostering improved efficiency and productivity in software development workflows.
• Create prototypes to validate critical design concepts and assess technical limitations, providing tangible evidence of feasibility and informing decision‑making processes.

Required qualifications:

• Rock‑solid software development experience in C/C++
• Experience in bare‑metal firmware development for embedded systems
• Linux Kernel or RTOS development - device trees and bring up on new hardware
• Familiarity with writing thread‑safe multi‑threaded programs
• Demonstrated track record of assuming ownership over development processes and features and delivering outstanding outcomes
• Proven track record of successfully shipping products, showcasing the ability to navigate through development cycles, overcome obstacles, and deliver high‑quality solutions to meet project deadlines and exceed client expectations in a fast‑paced environment
• Proactively identify opportunities for improvement within software development projects, demonstrating initiative to propose and implement innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, quality, and overall project success and V-Bat reliability
• B.S., M.S, PhD degree in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) discipline, such as Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience working on cutting‑edge autonomous robotic systems including motor control
• Proven background in thriving within fast‑paced environments, particularly within startup or R&D settings
• Demonstrated adaptability, agility, and the ability to innovate under pressure to meet dynamic project demands and drive successful outcomes.

Full‑time regular employee offer package:

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:

Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part‑time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed toequal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.