Shield AI
Senior Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration – Expeditionary (R5208)
Washington, DC · Senior · Part-time
No sponsorship$163k-$245kDetected 20 hours ago
PythonC++DockerCI/CDLinuxRecruitingEmbedded SystemsRoboticsMechanical DesignAerospace EngineeringElectrical EngineeringSensorsControlsLeadershipCommunicationCollaboration
About the role
- This team has a strong fielded-operator culture - long-endurance ISR missions, customer-driven workflow iteration, and demanding live exercises across multiple U.S. and international services.
Responsibilities
- 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.
- 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.
Requirements
- BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
- 5+ years of relevant experience (or equivalent advanced degree experience).
- Strong C++ development experience in real-time or embedded systems.
- Experience with Linux-based development and embedded systems.
- Experience integrating complex software systems and troubleshooting across hardware/software boundaries.
- Experience supporting system integration, testing, or field events.
- Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
Nice to have
- Experience with unmanned aircraft or autonomous systems.
- Experience with autonomy software, robotics, or vehicle control.
- Experience with payload or sensor integration.
- Python, Docker, CMake/Conan, or CI/CD experience.
- Full-time regular employee offer package:
- Temporary employee offer package:
- All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check.
- Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
Compensation
- Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location.
Benefits
- Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Company info
- Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems.
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This listing is sourced directly from Shield AI's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.