Shield AI
Senior Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration (R5200)
$163K–$245K
Washington, D.C. +2 · On-site · Senior · Full-time · Posted Jun 8, 2026
- Location
- Washington, D.C.
San Diego, California
Boston, Massachusetts - Experience
- Typically 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
Develops, integrates, tests, and fields autonomy software on unmanned platforms, supporting mission operations and troubleshooting across simulation, hardware, and live tests.
What you'll do
- Develop and integrate autonomy software and prepare mission-ready systems for unmanned platforms.
- Troubleshoot and validate software and hardware through simulation, lab work, and field tests; support live mission operations.
- Coordinate with autonomy, perception, feature, and external integration teams, including work on C2 interfaces and standards.
What they ask for
- Degree in a relevant field or equivalent practical experience.
- Typically 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree, 4 years with a Master’s degree, or 2 years with a PhD; equivalent work experience is also stated.
- Proficiency in C++ and Linux-based development, with experience in real-time or latency-sensitive systems and embedded systems.
- Hands-on support for demos, exercises, or field/mission tests for unmanned or autonomous systems; ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
Nice to have
- Python proficiency; familiarity with autonomy stacks, motion planning, or vehicle-control integration.
- Experience with container orchestration, platform control/autopilot stacks, C2 standards, or government-furnished simulation environments.
Pay
USD 163,200–244,800 per-year-salary (base salary)
Tools
C++, Linux, DDS, ActiveMQ, k3s, k3d, A-GRA, UCI
AI focus
Develops autonomy software for unmanned platforms, including mission behaviors, platform-specific control, multi-agent coordination, contingencies, and executive autonomy.
Model-written summary · the original posting is authoritative