Staff Software Engineer (Autonomous Aircraft Integration)

Shield AI; Washington; On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent Medical Coverage

Stock Benefits

401K Matching

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Flight Integration Engineer to bridge R&D and deployment for unmanned aircraft systems. You will integrate autonomy software across onboard compute, sensors, and control interfaces, and own the build, configuration, and validation for flight-ready systems.

You will support on-site flight tests, troubleshoot field issues, and collaborate with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams to ensure mission readiness and timely delivery.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent.
• 7+ years of related experience with a Bachelor’s, or 5 years with a Master’s, or 4 years with a PhD, or equivalent work experience.
• Experience deploying autonomy solutions onto unmanned platforms and preparing systems for flight.
• Proficiency in Linux-based development, embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics.

Responsibilities

• Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems across onboard compute, sensors, and control interfaces.
• Own build, configuration, and validation for flight-ready systems; ensure mission readiness.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Hands-on

System thinking

Debugging

RTOS familiarity

Linux proficiency

C++

Python

Education

BS or MS in CS/EE/ME/Aerospace or equivalent

Tools

ROS

DDS

AFSIM

NGTS

Job description

• Shield AI is committed to developing cutting-edge autonomy for unmanned aircraft operating across all Department of Defense (DoD) domains, including air, sea, and land
• Our Flight Integration Engineers are essential to bridging the gap between R&D and deployment, ensuring that autonomous systems function reliably and effectively when and where they are needed most
• System Integration & Deployment — This role will 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, including 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 ensure mission-critical functionality is delivered 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 (to different office locations, customer sites, and flight integration events)

Benefits

• Excellent Medical Coverage
• Mental Health Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Parental Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Flexible Work Hours
• Onsite Gym (DC)
• Gym Discount (San Diego)
• Free Parking
• Competitive Compensation
• Stock Benefits
• 401K Services and Match

Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environmentCompetence in sensor integration, electronics debugging, or avionics bring-upTypically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 5 years and a Master’s degree; or 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experienceA successful candidate will be skilled at deploying autonomy solutions onto unmanned platforms, preparing systems for flight, and troubleshooting mission-critical issues in both lab and field environmentsBS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experienceDirect experience supporting unmanned aerial systems or similar flight test campaignsProficiency in Linux-based development and experience working with embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnosticsAbility to obtain a SECRET clearanceStrong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performanceFamiliarity with autonomy stacks, flight control systems, or GNC pipelinesExperience with simulation tools and environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS) for testing and validationThis position is ideal for an individual who thrives on solving complex integration challenges that span hardware, software, and systems engineeringKnowledge of sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware frameworks (e.g., ROS, DDS)Hands-on experience supporting flight demos or live exercisesProficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Python, and familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS)Proficiency in developing automation tools for system testing, logging, and data parsingThe role is highly dynamic, requiring hands-on experience, strong systems thinking, and the ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, real-world test conditionsComfortable interfacing with DoD stakeholders during field events or technical reviewsExperience with UCI and OMS Standards