Shield AI

deep-tech

SeniorStaffSoftwareEngineer,C++SoftwareIntegration

$181–271k Washington, District of Columbia, United States; Washington, District of Columbia, United States FULL TIME Remote Friendly
Market Sentiment
HIGH DEMAND

Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Senior candidates.

The Brief

“Senior Staff Software Engineer, C++ Software Integration at Shield AI. Skills: C++, Python, distributed systems, CI/CD, Docker, CMake, Conan, Linux, system integration. Architect and implement high-performance C++ and Python systems across cross-platform environments. Lead the design and integration of distributed systems, simulation tools, and third-party hardware/software”

What You'll Achieve.

improve system performance, stability, and developer efficiency

Industry & Context.

deep tech
Problems you'll solve

Lead debugging and optimization of real-time and multi-threaded systems

Eligibility Requirements

Active SECRET clearance, Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance

What They're Looking For.

Must Have

Bachelor’s or 9 years and a Master’s or 7 years with a or equivalent work experience, Advanced experience designing and maintaining large C++ systems, fluency in C++14/17/20, comfort navigating legacy C++98/03 codebases, Proficiency in Linux/Unix environments, system-level development and debugging tools, systems integration background, practical experience in distributed systems, real-time processing, hardware/software interfaces, Significant experience with CI/CD systems, containerization (e.g. , Docker), build tooling (e.g. , CMake, Conan), Proficiency in Python, familiarity with other scripting and automation tools, Deep knowledge of Linux environments, Demonstrated success leading efforts involving 10+ contributors, technical planning, mentorship, understanding of networking concepts and communication protocols, Active SECRET clearance

Nice to Have

Real-time or distributed simulation experience (e.g. , AFSIM, NGTS, or similar), Familiarity with message-passing infrastructure, web-service technologies like gRPC, REST APIs, and message queues, Familiarity with open standards like UCI and OMS, understanding of data buses and interface protocols common in avionics and aircraft systems, Experience integrating simulation with autonomy frameworks or real-time operators, Experience developing and integrating with modeling or analysis pipelines, Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance, Windows experience

What You'll Do.

Architect and implement high-performance C++ and Python systems across cross-platform environments

Lead the design and integration of distributed systems

and third-party hardware/software

Define and enforce technical direction

and integration practices across projects

Guide teams in building robust messaging and API layers (e.g.

ZeroMQ) that bridge critical system components

Own the evolution and support of CI/CD pipelines using GitLab CI

Lead debugging and optimization of real-time and multi-threaded systems across a range of domains

Drive end-to-end integration efforts

and verification across simulation and operational systems

Serve as a force multiplier by mentoring other engineers and contributing to shared tooling and process improvements

Evaluate and incorporate new technologies that improve system performance

and developer efficiency

How You'll Work.

Team & Collaboration

Guide teams in building robust messaging and API layers; Serve as a force multiplier by mentoring other engineers and contributing to shared tooling and process improvements

Process & Methodology

technical planning

Full Job Description

## Description Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.  ## What You'll Do Architect and implement high-performance C++ and Python systems across cross-platform environments. Lead the design and integration of distributed systems, simulation tools, and third-party hardware/software. Define and enforce technical direction, design patterns, and integration practices across projects. Guide teams in building robust messaging and API layers (e.g., gRPC, REST, ZeroMQ) that bridge critical system components. Own the evolution and support of CI/CD pipelines using GitLab CI, Docker, Conan, and CMake. Lead debugging and optimization of real-time and multi-threaded systems across a range of domains. Drive end-to-end integration efforts, including planning, implementation, and verification across simulation and operational systems. Serve as a force multiplier by mentoring other engineers and contributing to shared tooling and process improvements. Evaluate and incorporate new technologies that improve system performance, stability, and developer efficiency. ## Required Qualifications Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 9 years and a Master’s degree; or 7 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience. Advanced experience designing and maintaining large C++ systems, with fluency in C++14/17/20 and comfort navigating legacy C++98/03 codebases. Proficiency in Linux/Unix environments, including system-level development and debugging tools. Strong systems int

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