Shield AI
Senior Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration – Emerging Domains (R5423)
Washington, DC · Senior · Part-time
No sponsorship$163k-$245kDetected 18 hours ago
PythonC++DockerCI/CDLinuxLogisticsRecruitingEmbedded SystemsRoboticsSensorsControlsCollaborationProblem Solving
About the role
- takes on short-term R&D and integration efforts-often standing up the first autonomy on a brand-new platform or mission-with the intent that successful efforts grow into larger, multi-year programs.
- This is a hands-on role for engineers who enjoy working across diverse platforms, solving ambiguous technical problems, and seeing new capabilities operate in real-world environments.
Responsibilities
- Stand Up New Capabilities - Help establish autonomy on new platforms and mission areas by integrating existing Shield AI capabilities with platform-specific software and developing new autonomy where needed.
- Develop & Field Autonomy - Develop and integrate autonomy software onto emerging-domain platforms, including platform and autopilot integration, payload and sensor integration, mission behaviors, multi-agent coordination, and validation through software-, hardware-, vehicle-, and live testing.
- Platform Team Partnerships - Partner closely with platform teams to integrate autonomy capabilities, validate interfaces, coordinate hardware/software compatibility, and support mission readiness.
- Collaboration Across Teams & Partners - Work with the Autonomy Capabilities, Perception, GCS teams, feature crews, and customer/program offices to deliver integrated autonomy solutions.
- Design & Documentation - Contribute to design reviews, ICDs, integration planning, and post-mortems while improving engineering rigor across teams.
- Pre-deployment Preparation - Build, configure, validate, and prepare mission-ready systems while coordinating release readiness with platform and capability teams.
- Mission Data & Debrief Support - Capture mission data, reproduce issues in simulation, and partner with capability owners to rapidly improve future releases.
- Continuous Improvement - Develop tools and engineering processes that improve integration velocity, testing reliability, and mission readiness.
- C2 Interoperability & Standards - Implement and validate interfaces with command-and-control systems while supporting program-appropriate interoperability standards.
Requirements
- BS/MS in a relevant engineering discipline or equivalent practical experience.
- Typically requires 5+ years of relevant experience.
- Strong proficiency in C++ and Linux-based development.
- Experience integrating embedded or real-time software systems.
- Experience supporting integration, testing, or operational field events.
- Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
Nice to have
- Experience with autonomous aircraft, maritime systems, spacecraft, or robotics.
- Experience with autonomy software, autopilot integration, or robotics frameworks.
- Python, Docker, or CI/CD experience.
- Experience working in early-stage R&D or rapid prototyping environments.
- 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.