Shield AI
Senior Engineer, Software - Autonomous Aircraft Integration (R5200)
$160K–$240K
Washington, D.C. +2 · On-site · Senior · Full-time · Posted Aug 15, 2025
- Location
- Washington, D.C.
Boston, Massachusetts
San Diego, California - Experience
- Typically a minimum of 5 years with a Bachelor’s degree; 4 years with a Master’s degree; 2 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
- Education
- BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience.
About the job
Integrates and deploys autonomy software on unmanned aircraft, prepares systems for flight, and supports flight testing, troubleshooting, and validation.
What you'll do
- Integrate autonomy software with aircraft compute, sensors, and control interfaces; build and validate flight-ready systems.
- Support on-site flight operations, including safety checks, system bring-up, troubleshooting, and flight data analysis.
- Collaborate across engineering and test teams, improve integration processes, and assist with certification and compliance documentation.
What they ask for
- Relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree, or equivalent practical experience.
- Typically 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; 4 years with a Master’s degree; 2 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
- Proficiency in C++ and Python; Linux development, embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics; familiarity with RTOS.
- Hands-on flight demo or live exercise support; sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware knowledge; ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
Nice to have
- Direct experience with unmanned aerial systems or flight test campaigns; familiarity with autonomy stacks, flight controls, or GNC.
- Experience with UCI and OMS Standards.
Pay
USD 160,000–240,000 per year base salary
Tools
C++, Python, RTOS, Linux, ROS, DDS, AFSIM, NGTS
AI focus
Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft and support testing and refinement of autonomous behaviors.
Model-written summary · the original posting is authoritative