Shield AI
Defense-tech
StaffSoftwareEngineer,AutonomousPilotIntegration
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Senior candidates.
“Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration at Shield AI. Skills: Autonomous pilot integration, Autonomy software, Embedded systems, Real-time systems. Develop autonomy software solutions. Integrate autonomy software solutions”
What You'll Achieve.
Ensure autonomous systems function reliably; Ensure autonomous systems function effectively
Industry & Context.
Troubleshooting; Problem-solving; System performance optimization
10-20% travel, Ability to obtain clearance
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
BS/MS in CS, EE, ME, AE or equivalent, 7 years related experience (BS), 5 years related experience (MS), 4 years equivalent work experience, Proficiency in C++, Proficiency in Linux development, Experience with embedded systems, Experience with shell scripting, Experience with system diagnostics, Ability to obtain SECRET clearance
Nice to Have
Direct experience supporting unmanned systems, Python for scripting, automation, analysis, Experience leading feature crew/sub-program, Experience owning customer-facing relationships, Cross-team improvements track record, Familiarity with autonomy stacks, Competence in vehicle electronics bring-up, Experience with container orchestration, Familiarity with platform control stacks, Proficiency developing automation tools, Build-system experience, CI/CD pipeline familiarity, Interfacing with DoD stakeholders, Experience with C2 standards, Familiarity with simulation environments
What You'll Do.
Develop autonomy software solutions
Integrate autonomy software solutions
Field autonomy software solutions
Bring-up payload computer
Deploy container-based solutions
Configure onboard compute
Configure C2 interfaces
Lead team through design
Lead team through development
Lead team through delivery
Set technical direction
Report progress to leadership
Act as technical interface
Author interface contracts
Negotiate interface contracts
Mentor mid-level engineers
Partner with managers
Onboard senior new hires
Own configuration process
Own validation process
Coordinate hardware/software compatibility
Coordinate mission readiness
Coordinate release cadence
Support live mission operations
Perform safety checks
Perform system bring-up
Troubleshoot under constraints
Diagnose integration issues
Resolve integration issues
Profile memory under load
Profile CPU under load
Profile timing under load
Reproduce issues in simulation
Drive fixes into builds
Build tools for integration
Build processes for integration
Improve integration timelines
Improve test reliability
Improve mission reliability
Improve team efficiency
Own interface contracts with C2
Drive standards compliance
Implement standards compliance
Validate standards compliance
Onboard new engineers
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
Autonomy Capabilities team; Perception team; Feature crews; External partners; Platform integrators; Vehicle/autopilot vendors; C2 providers
Communication Scope
Technical interface; Report progress; Negotiate contracts
Process & Methodology
Agile, Scrum
Full Job Description
## Description Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and 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. The Autonomous Pilot Integration team builds autonomy solutions for a wide range of CONOPs and mission sets. We combine capabilities from the Autonomy Capabilities team (motion planning, tactics), the Perception team (e.g., track fusion), and the HivemindSDK to develop the autonomy software that runs on an unmanned platform — air, maritime, space, or effects/expendables, depending on the program — then integrate, validate, and field it on the real hardware. In this role, you'll write new autonomy code — such as mission behaviors, platform-specific control, multi-agent coordination, contingencies, and executive autonomy — and own it end-to-end from software-in-the-loop, to hardware-in-the-loop, to vehicle-in-the-loop, to live test exercise. You'll partner closely with the Autonomy Capabilities and Perception teams, feature crews, and external platform integrators (vehicle/autopilot control vendors, C2 providers). It's a hands-on role for engineers who like seeing their code operate in the real world — whether that's flying, sailing, orbiting, or downrange — and want to be there when it does. At this level, you'll also serve as a technical leader within the team — leading a small feature crew or sub-program through design, integration, and delivery, mentoring mid-level engineers, and representing the team directly to capability teams and external partners. Shield AI is committed to developing cutting-edge autonomy for unmanned platforms across every operating domain — air, ma
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