Staff Engineer - Maritime Autonomy & Multi-Agent Systems

Shield AI; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 221,000 - 331,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Engineer to lead the technical delivery of advanced autonomy capabilities for maritime portfolios, including USVs and UUVs, and to drive multi-agent teaming across platforms. You will blend control theory with optimization, and deliver real-world, integrated autonomy solutions that scale for multiple missions.

You will collaborate with perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and field teams, support deployments, and help shape roadmaps while balancing theory with

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum 4 years with a Bachelor’s, or 6 years with a Master’s, or 4 years with a PhD.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python; familiarity with RTOS.
• Background in robotics: motion planning, behavior modeling, autonomous system design.
• Experience with unmanned system technologies and related algorithms (space domain preferred).
• Experience with simulation tools like AFSIM/NGTS for testing and validation.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical delivery of complex autonomy capabilities.
• Combine deep technical expertise with systems thinking for scalable solutions.
• Develop high-performance software with clear interfaces and TRL readiness.
• Collaborate with perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and OT teams.
• Deploy capabilities to real platforms and support integration events.

Skills

C++

Python

RTOS

Motion planning

Autonomy

Education

BS/MS in CS/EE/ME/Aerospace or related field

Bachelor's degree (related field)

Tools

AFSIM

NGTS

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Engineer to lead the technical delivery of advanced autonomy capabilities for maritime portfolios, including USVs and UUVs, and to drive multi-agent teaming across platforms. You will blend control theory with optimization, and deliver real-world, integrated autonomy solutions that scale for multiple missions.

You will collaborate with perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and field teams, support deployments, and help shape roadmaps while balancing theory with