Senior Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration – Expeditionary (R5208)
TLDR
Develop and field autonomy software for V-BAT and X-BAT, from simulation to live flight testing, enabling mission-ready multi-agent control.
Develop & Field Autonomy – Develop and integrate autonomy software for V-BAT and X-BAT, including mission behaviors, platform-specific control, payload and sensor integration (e.g., ViDAR, EO/IR), multi-agent coordination, contingencies, and executive autonomy. Own major features from software-in-the-loop through live flight testing.
Aircraft Team Partnership – Collaborate closely with the Aircraft team to integrate autonomy capabilities, validate platform interfaces, coordinate hardware/software compatibility, and support release readiness.
Collaboration Across Teams & Partners – Partner with the Autonomy Capabilities, Perception, GCS, Strategic Systems (ACP), feature crews, and customer stakeholders to deliver integrated mission capabilities.
Technical Leadership – Own significant features or subsystems, drive technical execution, mentor teammates, and contribute to design reviews and integration planning.
Pre-deployment Preparation – Build, configure, validate, and prepare mission-ready systems while ensuring software, hardware, and operator workflows are ready for deployment.
On-site Test & Mission Support – Support flight tests, customer demonstrations, operator training, and deployment events through system bring-up, troubleshooting, and mission execution.
Hardware/Software Debugging – Diagnose integration issues across autonomy software, payload computers, embedded systems, and platform interfaces using simulation and operational testing.
Mission Data & Continuous Improvement – Analyze mission data, drive root-cause analysis, and build tools and processes that improve integration efficiency and mission reliability.
C2 Interoperability & Standards – Implement and validate interfaces with GCS and command-and-control systems while supporting compliance with STANAG 4586, UCI, and OMS.
Travel Requirement – Members of this team typically travel around 10–20% of the year to different office locations, customer sites, operator training events, flight tests, and integration exercises.
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BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
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5+ years of relevant experience (or equivalent advanced degree experience).
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Strong C++ development experience in real-time or embedded systems.
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Experience with Linux-based development and embedded systems.
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Experience integrating complex software systems and troubleshooting across hardware/software boundaries.
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Experience supporting system integration, testing, or field events.
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Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
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Experience with unmanned aircraft or autonomous systems.
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Experience with autonomy software, robotics, or vehicle control.
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Experience with payload or sensor integration.
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Python, Docker, CMake/Conan, or CI/CD experience.
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Experience with military test events or defense customers.
Benefits
Equity Compensation
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Travel requirements for the team
This team travel 10–20% of the year to different office locations, customer sites, operator training events, flight tests, and integration exercises.
Shield AI builds advanced AI-powered autonomy systems for military and defense applications, enabling mission-critical operations in contested environments. Our platform, Hivemind, supports developers and operators with robust tools for quick adaptation and deployment, ensuring superior situational awareness and operational efficiency. With unique solutions like the AI-piloted X-BAT and ViDAR surveillance system, we are transforming how defense technology meets real-world challenges.
- Founded
- Founded 2015
- Employees
- 51-200 employees
- Industry
- Internet Software & Services