Staff Software Engineer (Autonomy Capabilities)

Shield AI; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Stock options

Flexible work hours

Onsite gym

401K matching

Job summary

Shield AI seeks a senior software engineer to lead autonomy capabilities for multi-agent mission systems. You will design and implement high-performance C++ modules for planning, coordination, and flight controls, interfacing with perception and test teams.

You will bridge research and field deployment, contribute to an evolving autonomy roadmap, mentor junior engineers, and participate in flight demonstrations and real-world integration efforts under security guidelines.

Qualifications

• 7+ years’ experience in software sub-system scheduling and integration, behavior planning, and motion planning.
• Proficient in production-level C++ software development.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Tactical Autonomy Design – design autonomy algorithms to enable unmanned aircraft to perform complex missions with minimal human supervision.
• High-Performance Software Development – develop modules for planning, decision-making, and behavior execution in dynamic environments.
• Behavior Architecture Implementation – implement and test multi-agent coordination, target engagement, and survivability in contested scenarios.
• Hybrid Autonomy Integration – blend rule-based systems with learning-based methods for robust, adaptive behavior.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration – collaborate with perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and flight test teams.
• Deployment & Field Testing – deploy autonomy capabilities to real platforms and participate in field tests and flight demos.
• Mission Data Analysis – analyze mission logs to diagnose failures and optimize models.

Skills

C++

Robot software

Multi-agent systems

Motion planning

Optimization

ROS

System integration

Leadership

Education

BS/MS/PhD in CS/AE/Robotics

Tools

ROS

OMPL

Git

AFSIM

NGTS

Job description

• The Autonomy Capabilities Team develops functionality to automate single- and multi-agent teams of platforms in pursuit of mission objectives and acts as a central discipline-aligned focal-point for encouraging consistent usage of technical approaches across business portfolios
• This team operates at all levels of the command-and-control hierarchy (from advanced control laws, through motion planning, and up to advanced tactical behaviors and multi-agent coordination) and across a multitude of mission sets, platform types, and operational domains (e.g., air, sea, space)
• The team puts a strong emphasis on both fundamentals (e.g., aircraft kinematics/dynamics, trajectory design, optimization, information fusion, efficient algorithms, etc.) and software integration skillsets (e.g. structures, protocols, threading, interface management, etc.) to bring market-differentiating capabilities to customers that seamlessly operate within their integration contexts
• This position is perfect for an individual who enjoys solving complex problems across a diverse set of programs and integration contexts. An ideal candidate is expected to address operational system needs through a multitude of advanced methodologies that blend traditional control system approaches with advanced optimization
• Developed solutions are expected to be integrated into real-world platforms with near-term program impacts and rewards and so balancing theory with practice and rigorous implementation is paramount
• Tactical Autonomy Design – Design tactical autonomy algorithms to enable unmanned aircraft to perform complex missions across air, land, and sea domains with minimal human supervision
• High-Performance Software Development – Develop high-performance software modules that incorporate planning, decision-making, and behavior execution strategies for dynamic and adversarial environments
• Behavior Architecture Implementation – Implement and test behavior architectures that enable multi-agent coordination, target engagement, reconnaissance, and survivability in contested scenarios
• Hybrid Autonomy Integration – Work at the intersection of classical autonomy and machine learning, blending rule-based systems with learning-based methods such as reinforcement learning to achieve robust, adaptive behavior
• Cross-Functional Collaboration – Collaborate with cross-functional teams including perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and flight test to ensure seamless integration of autonomy solutions on real-world platforms
• Deployment & Field Testing – Deploy autonomy capabilities to real platforms and participate in field tests and flight demos, validating performance in operationally relevant conditions
• Mission Data Analysis – Analyze mission logs and performance data to diagnose failures, optimize behavior models, and inform iterative development
• R&D and Roadmapping – Contribute to the autonomy roadmap by researching and prototyping new algorithms, identifying tactical capability gaps, and proposing novel solutions that advance Shield AI’s mission
• Program Support & Adaptation – Support defense-focused programs and customer needs by adapting autonomy solutions to evolving mission sets, compliance requirements, and operational feedback
• Travel Requirement – Members of this team typically travel around 10-15% 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

7+ years’ experience in one or more of the following: software sub-system scheduling and integration, behavior planning, task and resource allocation, motion planning, optimization, or flight controlsDesire to work in a highly collaborative, fast paced, enthusiastic, and mission-centric environmentCapacity to act as the technical owner for an entire software system, including stakeholder engagement, requirements definition, roadmap management, team co-ordination, design, implementation, sustainment, and evolutionExperience with collaborative software development tools for version control, issue tracking, code reviews, and release managementCapacity to learn and grow individually, while mentoring junior team members effectively, building team cohesion and capacityProven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams, set technical direction, and manage full project lifecycles from concept to deploymentBS/MS/PhD in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related fieldEligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearanceProficient in production-level C++ software developmentExperience across a breadth of technology readiness levels (TRLs) and demonstration of bridging concepts from research-grade to operationally readyExperience with mission systems integration, and ideally, hands-on experience supporting integration events and/or flight demonstrationsExperience across a multitude of application areas, including but not limited to:Collaborative mission planning, behavior planning, synchronized teamingMotion planning across a variety of vehicle classes, kinematic constraints, and team compositionsAutomated red force vs blue force tacticsWeapons target assignment, Sensor target pairing, sensor-centric control lawsCollision avoidance, geofencing, and safety-monitoringExperience in more than one operational effect (e.g., strike, air combat, surveillance, reconnaissance, etc.) and more than one associated domain (e.g., air, space, maritime, ground, etc.)Experience with FOSS software that is commonly used in robotic systems (e.g., ROS, OMPL, optimization solvers, etc.)Experience with simulation tools and environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS) for testing and validationFamiliarity with practical aspects of navigation and communications systemsExperience across the product delivery lifecycle, from emerging opportunity through system acceptance, deployment, and sustainmentFamiliarity with systems engineering methodologiesFamiliarity with high-assurance software development processes (e.g., DO-178C or equivalent MIL-STD’s)