Staff Engineer, Software - Autonomous Aircraft Integration (R3775)

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

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture‑backed defense technology company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V‑BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and Hivemind Vision lines, supporting U.S. and allied operations worldwide.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives on solving complex integration challenges that span hardware, software, and systems engineering. A successful candidate will deploy autonomy solutions onto unmanned platforms, prepare systems for flight, and troubleshoot mission‑critical issues in lab and field environments.

What you’ll do:

• System Integration & Deployment — Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems, ensuring seamless operation across onboard compute, sensors, and control interfaces.
• Pre‑flight Preparation — Own the build, configuration, and validation process for flight‑ready systems; coordinate hardware/software compatibility and mission readiness.
• On‑site Flight Test Support — Travel to test sites and support live flight operations, safety checks, system bring‑up, and troubleshooting under time‑critical constraints.
• Hardware/Software Debugging — Diagnose and resolve integration issues across complex autonomy software stacks and embedded systems in lab and field environments.
• Flight Data Capture & Analysis — Manage data collection during missions and post‑test analysis, working with autonomy engineers to refine behaviors and identify improvements.
• Collaboration Across Teams — Work closely with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams to deliver mission‑critical functionality on time and validated thoroughly.
• Continuous Improvement — Build tools and processes to improve integration timelines, flight test reliability, and team efficiency across deployment cycles.
• Support Certification and Compliance — Assist with documentation and system‑level validation required for certification, airworthiness, and compliance in defense‑relevant environments.
• Travel Requirement — Members of this team typically travel around 30‑40% of the year.

Required Qualifications:

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or similar; or equivalent practical experience.
• Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree; 5 years with a master’s; 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python, and familiarity with real‑time operating systems (RTOS).
• Proficiency in Linux‑based development and experience with embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics.
• Knowledge of sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware frameworks such as ROS and DDS.
• Hands‑on experience supporting flight demos or live exercises.
• Experience with simulation tools such as AFSIM and NGTS for testing and validation.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience supporting unmanned aerial systems or similar flight test campaigns.
• Familiarity with autonomy stacks, flight control systems, or GNC pipelines.
• Competence in sensor integration, electronics debugging, or avionics bring‑up.
• Proficiency in developing automation tools for system testing, logging, and data parsing.
• Comfortable interfacing with DoD stakeholders during field events or technical reviews.
• Experience with UCI and OMS standards.

Compensation & benefits:

Full‑time regular employee offers pay within the listed range, bonus, benefits, and equity. Temporary employee offers pay within the range above plus temporary benefits after 60 days of employment. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and reference check. Military fellows and part‑time employees are not eligible for benefits.

Shield AI is proud to be an equal‑opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal 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 requiring accommodation, please let us know.