Senior Software Engineer (Autonomous Pilot Integration (R5200))

Join Shield AI as a Senior Software Engineer in the Autonomous Pilot Integration team. In this hands-on role, you'll develop and integrate autonomy software solutions for unmanned platforms across various domains, including air, maritime, and space. You'll collaborate closely with multiple teams, own the build and validation process, support live mission operations, and continuously improve integration timelines and team efficiency. This position requires proficiency in Linux-based development, C++, and excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and integrate autonomy software solutions onto unmanned platforms, including payload computer bring-up and configuration across onboard compute, sensors, and command-and-control interfaces.
• Collaborate closely with the Autonomy Capabilities team, the Perception team, feature crews, and external partners to deliver and validate mission-critical functionality on time.
• Own the build, configuration, and validation process for mission-ready systems; coordinate hardware/software compatibility, mission readiness, and release cadence with capability and feature teams.
• Proficiency in Linux-based development and experience working with embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics

Requirements

• Hands-on experience supporting demos, exercises, or field/mission tests for unmanned or autonomous systems
• Proficiency in C++, with experience developing or integrating real-time or latency-sensitive systems
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment
• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance across the full stack
• 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
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance
• Direct experience supporting uncrewed systems (air, maritime, space, ground, or effects/expendables) or similar field test campaigns

Proficiency in Python for scripting, automation, and analysis

• Familiarity with autonomy stacks, motion planning, or vehicle-control integration
• Familiarity with platform control / autopilot stacks (e.g., PX4, ArduPilot, spacecraft flight software, vessel autopilots)
• Comfortable interfacing with DoD stakeholders during field events or technical reviews
• Experience with C2 standards such as A-GRA, UCI, or OMS

Preferred

• Familiarity with middleware, pub-sub, or IPC frameworks used in autonomy or robotics systems (e.g., DDS, ActiveMQ)
• Experience with autonomy simulation environments for testing and validation
• Competence in vehicle electronics bring-up (avionics, spacecraft buses, or vessel control), payload computer integration, or hardware-in-the-loop debugging
• Experience with container orchestration (e.g., k3s, k3d, Docker) on embedded or payload compute
• Proficiency in developing automation tools for system testing, logging, and data parsing
• Build-system experience (e.g., Conan, CMake) and CI/CD pipeline familiarity
• Familiarity with government-furnished simulation environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS) is a plus

Pay

USD 160,000 - 240,000