Senior Software Engineer (Autonomous Aircraft Integration)

Join Shield AI, a company dedicated to developing cutting-edge autonomy for unmanned aircraft. As a Senior Software Engineer, you will play a crucial role in integrating autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems, ensuring seamless operation and mission readiness. You will also support live flight operations, diagnose and resolve integration issues, manage data collection and analysis, and collaborate with various teams to deliver mission-critical functionality. This position offers excellent benefits, including medical coverage, paid parental leave, and competitive compensation.

This position is ideal for an individual who thrives on solving complex integration challenges that span hardware, software, and systems engineering

Responsibilities

• Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems, ensuring seamless operation across onboard compute, sensors, and control interfaces.
• Own the build, configuration, and validation process for flight-ready systems; coordinate hardware/software compatibility and mission readiness.
• Travel to test sites and support live flight operations, including safety checks, system bring-up, and troubleshooting under time-critical constraints.

Requirements

• A 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 environments
• The role is highly dynamic, requiring hands-on experience, strong systems thinking, and the ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, real-world test conditions
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance
• Proficiency in Linux-based development and experience working with embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics
• Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 4 years and a Master’s degree; or 2 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience
• Experience with simulation tools and environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS) for testing and validation
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance
• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience

Hands-on experience supporting flight demos or live exercises

• Knowledge of sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware frameworks (e.g., ROS, DDS)
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Python, and familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS)
• 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

Preferred

• Familiarity with autonomy stacks, flight control systems, or GNC pipelines
• Direct experience supporting unmanned aerial systems or similar flight test campaigns

Pay

USD 160,000 - 240,000